Texastan Republican Ralph Hall (who is, I believe, the senior rep from TX), made a statement today:

Hall Claims Science Panel, Vows ‘Strong Oversight’ on ‘Climate Change, Scientific Integrity’

“Nationally, I am heartened that Americans returned Republicans to the majority in hopes of providing a check on runaway spending in Washington and getting the economy back on track toward growth and job creation. I look forward to working with current members on the Science and Technology Committee, as well as hearing from our new members, to formulate and advance an agenda that keeps our nation moving forward. The Science and Technology Committee will be a place where every member’s ideas will be respected and considered, and all Republicans can play a role in crafting good science policy.

“We must also conduct strong oversight over this Administration in key areas including climate change, scientific integrity, energy research and development (R&D), cybersecurity, and science education. Over the past few years the unprecedented growth of the Federal government and the creation of multiple new and duplicative programs occurred without having first assessed the effectiveness and success of existing programs.

“My goal is to ensure science policy drives innovation and thereby the American economy. Federal investment in R&D must empower the free market, not interfere in it.”

So it looks like he is going to carry out Issa’s request for the great inquisition of climatology. Hall is noted for being part of the group with Sensenbrenner and old Joe Barton for leading the cause against dealing with these types of environmental issues.

According to SourceWatch:

Ralph Hall has received $78,199 in oil contributions during the 110th congress. $53,999 of those dollars were from industry PACS. In total, Hall has accepted $307,930 from oil companies between 2000 and 2008, which makes him one of the largest recipients of oil money.