Rep. Eli Crane has publicly expressed skepticism toward the scientific consensus on climate change, stating, "Just because a scientist says something doesn't mean it's true" (Arizona Daily Star, 7/17/24).
Crane has linked his climate change skepticism to doubts about top scientists' statements on COVID-19 vaccine safety, reflecting broader conservative concerns about scientific authorities (Arizona Daily Star, 7/17/24).
Multiple news outlets, including the Arizona Republic and Arizona Daily Star, have identified Crane as a climate change skeptic in 2024 (Arizona Republic, 9/7/24; Arizona Daily Star, 9/10/24).
Crane opposes new national monument designations in his region, a stance at odds with the support such initiatives have from many local businesses, communities, and sovereign tribes (Letter to the Editor - Arizona Daily Sun, 9/15/24).
Potential vulnerability: Crane's public skepticism of both climate science and monument protections may put him at odds with the majority of local stakeholders and the broader scientific community on environmental issues.
July 2024: Eli Crane Expressed Skepticism Toward Scientific Consensus On Climate Change According to Arizona Daily Star, "Just because a scientist says something doesn't mean it's true," first-term Rep. Eli Crane, R-Oro Valley, said during a brief interview at the U.S. Capitol. [Arizona Daily Star, 7/17/24]
July 2024: Eli Crane Linked Climate Change Skepticism To COVID-19 Vaccine Assertions By Scientists According to Arizona Daily Star, Crane, a former Navy SEAL who started a business selling bottle openers made from shell casings, linked his skepticism on climate change to assertions from top scientists that COVID-19 vaccines were 'completely harmless' -- an assertion that many conservatives take issue with. [Arizona Daily Star, 7/17/24]
Eli Crane Was Identified By Arizona Republic As A Climate Change Skeptic In 2024 According to Arizona Republic, addressing climate change, Nez said, "There are folks out there that do not believe in climate change." The paper adds: "Crane is a climate skeptic." [Arizona Republic (Phoenix), 9/7/24]
Crane Was Identified As A Climate Skeptic In 2024 According to Arizona Daily Star, "Crane is a climate skeptic." [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson), 9/10/24]
2024: Letter Writer Laura Huenneke Claimed Eli Crane Opposed National Monument Designations in Region According to a letter to the editor published in Arizona Daily Sun, "he opposes the national monument designations in our region that have been welcomed by nearly all economic enterprises, communities and sovereign tribes." [Letter to the Editor - Arizona Daily Sun, 9/15/24]