By Randall Turk

Transcript Business Editor

Sen. James Inhofe, widely known for acerbic views on world politics and environmental concerns, was warmly welcomed by Norman business and government leaders Wednesday.

Addressing the annual Norman Chamber of Commerce aviation breakfast, Inhofe disputed the science behind the theory of global warming and assailed the United Nations, U.S. immigration policies and increasingly negative attitudes toward the war in Iraq.

Inhofe has been described as one of the most conservative members of either house of Congress. He was introduced by former chamber president and city councilman Jonathan Leavey as “a beacon of truth and honor in a world hungry for that.”

Inhofe, who piloted a private plane to the gathering, is an established friend of general aviation. He has been instrumental in ramrodding aviation bills producing substantial airport improvements in Oklahoma. He also is credited with passage of last year’s $286 billion transportation bill resulting in record federal funds for Oklahoma roads and bridges, including Norman’s Robinson Street underpass. For the first time this year, Oklahoma is receiving more federal road funds than state motorists pay in gasoline tax.

Inhofe, 71, chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works committee and is the second-ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said the Kyoto Treaty, which seeks to limit greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, “would cost the average family of four $2,750 a year.” He said, “Since 1999, science has refuted the concept” that greenhouse gases are causing global warming.

“The Kyoto Treaty is about leveling the playing field worldwide,” Inhofe said. “It’s the first step to worldwide governance.”

Likewise, he said, United Nations policies arise from “a multinational attitude in Washington.” He said the U.S. pays 24 percent of the U.N. budget, but the world organization wants to scrap the dues member nations pay in favor of “global taxes.”

Inhofe said he disagrees with President George Bush’s immigration policies. “We need a strong border. I had an amendment to make English our national language.” Polls show 89 percent of Americans, including 70 percent of Hispanics, believe entitlements should be restricted to English-speaking citizens, he said.

A new Water Resources Act authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite projects on the books will result in improving the state’s water navigation system, he said. The new law also will provide funds for cleaning up Oklahoma lakes and the Tar Creek Superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma, he said.

Inhofe, who has made 11 trips to Iraq, said the U.S. is winning the war, but doubts troops will soon be withdrawn. “We’re never completely out of anywhere,” he said. “I’ve been told by commanders in the field there are now 275,000 Iraqi soldiers.”

He said 325,000 trained Iraqi troops will be needed before the U.S. can begin withdrawals. “Iraq has had elections,” he said. “Iraqis are excited and enjoying their freedom.”

During the chamber breakfast, Inhofe was presented the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The award goes to members of Congress who support the chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of key votes.