Dems knock Trump on Earth Day

Democratic lawmakers took to Twitter amid Earth Day celebrations and the March for Science on Saturday to sound off against President Trump’s environmental policies, which many claim is an administration-wide dismissal of scientific fact.

“Science is real. Climate change is real. And the danger the Trump administration poses to the future of our environment & planet is real,” Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) wrote on Twitter.

Science is real. Climate change is real. And the danger the Trump administration poses to the future of our environment & planet is real. https://t.co/ekdx9iUSVr

— Rep. Pete Aguilar (@RepPeteAguilar) April 22, 2017

“I join my constituents in marching for science.  The earth is in danger and @POTUS actions have only increased its perils. #MarchForScience,” Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) tweeted.

I join my constituents in marching for science. The earth is in danger and @POTUS actions have only increased its perils. #MarchForScience pic.twitter.com/c9X7cB4q8V

— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) April 22, 2017

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The tweets came as scientists and activists gathered for rallies around the world on Saturday as part of the March for Science, which calls for evidence-based climate change policy and a boost in funding for scientific research. 

Trump’s first months in office have drawn the ire of environmental activists, climate experts and many in the scientific community who see his early policies as harmful to the environment.

Democrats on Saturday mocked the Trump administration over “alternative facts,” a reference to a widely ridiculed January remark by top Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, who was defending comments by another aide as “alternative facts,” not falsehoods.

“We must not let alternative facts drive policy. #MarchForScience #EarthDay,” Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) wrote in a tweet. 

We must not let alternative facts drive policy. #MarchForScience #EarthDay

— Michael F. Bennet (@SenBennetCO) April 22, 2017

“With an administration that deals in alternative facts, supporting objective science is more important than ever #MarchforScience #EarthDay,” Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) tweeted.

With an administration that deals in alternative facts, supporting objective science is more important than ever #MarchforScience #EarthDay

— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) April 22, 2017

Others, like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) were more direct in their criticisms, addressing Trump himself, rather than his administration.

“President Trump: Listen to the scientists who are out on the streets, not the fossil fuel industry and their lobbyists. #marchforscience,” Sanders wrote.

President Trump: Listen to the scientists who are out on the streets, not the fossil fuel industry and their lobbyists. #marchforscience

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 22, 2017

“Scientific Fact:  Donald #Trump can’t stop global warming just my emitting an unprecedented volume of hot air. #MarchForScience,” Sherman tweeted.

Scientific Fact: Donald #Trump can’t stop global warming just my emitting an unprecedented volume of hot air. #MarchForScience pic.twitter.com/BE7sabLTCL

— Rep. Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) April 22, 2017

Trump defended his climate policies on Saturday amid the demonstrations, saying that “rigorous science is critical to my Administration’s efforts to achieve the twin goals of economic growth and environmental protection.”

“My Administration is committed to advancing scientific research that leads to a better understanding of our environment and of environmental risks,” he said in a statement marking Earth Day.

“My Administration is committed to keeping our air and water clean, to preserving our forests, lakes, and open spaces, and to protecting endangered species,” he continued.

“Economic growth enhances environmental protection. We can and must protect our environment without harming America’s working families. That is why my Administration is reducing unnecessary burdens on American workers and American companies, while being mindful that our actions must also protect the environment.”