Full Breakdown
Bill Maher's Misstep in Climate Change Commentary Sparks Debate
2/16/2026, 11:32:22 AM
Core Event: Bill Maher's Critique of Doug Burgum and Climate Policy
On February 13, 2023, Bill Maher, host of "Real Time," criticized Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for supporting the Trump administration's rollback of Obama-era greenhouse gas regulations. Maher referred to the decision as the "biggest d--- move in American history," highlighting Burgum's claim that carbon dioxide (CO2) is not a pollutant. However, Maher mistakenly conflated CO2 with carbon monoxide (CO) in his argument, leading to backlash from social media users and commentators.
Background & Context: The Trump Administration's Environmental Policy Changes
The Trump administration's decision to repeal the 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Endangerment Finding marked a significant shift in U.S. environmental policy. This finding had previously classified carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health under the Clean Air Act. The repeal effectively eliminated federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles and could lead to broader deregulation of climate policies affecting power plants and fossil fuel industries.
Key Figures & Groups: Bill Maher and Doug Burgum
Bill Maher, a prominent comedian and political commentator, has been vocal about climate change issues. Doug Burgum, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, has expressed support for the Trump administration's energy policies, emphasizing the importance of energy abundance for human flourishing. Burgum's office referenced a post by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social in response to Maher's comments.
Criticism & Opposition: Reactions to Maher's Comments
Maher's comments drew criticism for his misunderstanding of the differences between CO2 and CO. Ian Miller, a writer for Outkick, remarked that Maher's attempt to mock climate change denialism highlighted a perceived moral superiority among some on the left. Meteorologist Chris Martz also pointed out the need for clarity regarding the effects of CO2, which is essential for plant life, versus the toxic nature of CO. Senator Mike Lee of Utah emphasized this distinction, stating, "Different carbon, different effect, CO = deadly CO2 = plant food / exhaled by all breathing animals."
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Maher's critique, Burgum reiterated his support for the Trump administration's environmental policies, stating, "More energy drives human flourishing." The EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin, characterized the repeal of the Endangerment Finding as the "single largest deregulatory action in American history," a sentiment echoed by Maher in his commentary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Listen to this, the way they all line up behind this nonsense. He said, CO2, carbon, was never a pollutant. He said when we breathe, we emit CO2. Okay, Doug, you know what? Let’s try this little experiment. Tonight, when you get home, go in the garage, close the door, turn the car on, and let’s see if carbon is a pollutant, okay? Thank you very much.” — Bill Maher, Host of "Real Time."
- “I normally like Bill Maher, but trying to dunk on someone for climate change denialism while not understanding the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide pretty much sums up the unearned sense of moral superiority on the left,” — Ian Miller, Writer
- “Different carbon, different effect, CO = deadly CO2 = plant food / exhaled by all breathing animals,” — Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Maher criticized the Trump administration's environmental policies, the administration and its supporters argue that deregulation promotes energy abundance and economic growth. The debate continues over the implications of these policy changes for public health and climate change mitigation efforts.
