Joe Barton

“I would point out that if you're a believer in the Bible, one would have to say the Great Flood is an example of climate change and that certainly wasn't because mankind had overdeveloped hydrocarbon energy.”

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is continually reviewing its safety plan for the 100-plus operating civilian nuclear reactors in the United States. And when those plants were put into operation, they were required to have double and triple redundant safety systems.”

“I will use my position as chairman emeritus on the Energy and Commerce Committee to try to bring some common sense to EPA regulations.”

“CO2 is not a pollutant in any normal definition of the term.”

“Wind is God's way of balancing heat. Wind is the way you shift heat from areas where it's hotter to areas where it's cooler. That's what wind is.”

“Adapting is a common natural way for people to adapt to their environment.”

“I tell my environmental friends that they have won. Every issue we look at from an energy perspective is now also looked at from an environmental perspective.”

“No one in the United States has become seriously ill or has died because of any kind of accident at a civilian nuclear power plant.”

“You do not need the government to protect open internet; the marketplace was doing it and will continue to do it. All you are doing is adding a burden that does not need to be there.”

“People don't want Congress dictating what light fixtures they can use.”

“Now, if you're Al Gore, you can afford $10 a pop for squiggly-pig-tailed fluorescent light bulbs. But if you're mainstream America, two or three kids, mom and dad working outside the home, that's not a very good deal.”

“If we start - premise that the information is mine, and we give the individual's rights, we worry about what happens during a breach. If you try to protect access to it, as opposed to not even making it available, you have less to worry about who will break the wall.”

“I believe the earth's climate is changing, but I think it's changing for natural variation reasons and I think mankind has been adapting to climate as long as man has walked the earth.”

“The constant abuse of online activity must stop.”

“Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history, the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation.”

“Texans are by nature independent people.”

“I think we should drill up in Alaska.”

“There are enough people who lost faith in me that it's time to step aside and let there be a new voice for the 6th district in Washington, so I am not going to run for re-election.”

“I'm very proud to be a member of the Congress. And I'm proud to serve with people like Mike Doyle.”

“I am very proud of my public record and the many accomplishments of my office. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the 6th District of Texas for over three decades, but now it is time to step aside and let there be a new voice.”