Pawlenty: Gore is too partisan on global warming

Gore in Bali
Newly awarded Nobel laureate Al Gore delivers a speech during the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali this week. Gore accused Washington of obstructing progress in the talks.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is taking issue with former Vice President Al Gore over remarks made this week at the United Nations climate conference in Bali.

During a speech Wednesday, Gore claimed the United States was "principally responsible" for blocking progress at the climate talks. Gore accepted the Nobel Peace Prize last week for his work to raise awareness of global warming.

Pawlenty criticized Gore Friday on his weekly radio show, saying it's inappropriate to go into foreign lands and give critical speeches about your country. The Republican governor says Gore, a Democrat, is too partisan on the issue.

"It's a little unfortunate that Al Gore has become the spokesperson for this by himself, because he is a political figure in some people's minds, and in many people's minds I think a polarizing figure," said Pawlenty. "It would be better if we had a more neutral or credible lead spokesperson."

Pawlenty is leading a nationwide clean energy initiative this year as he serves as chairman of the National Governor's Association. He says Republicans and Democrats have to work together on environmental issues.

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