ASHINGTON - Senator John McCain expressed concern yesterday about the ''mounting evidence'' pointing to global climate change and the potential for harm, but said any action should be based on science ''and not on rhetoric or political expedience.''
The former presidential contender made good on a campaign promise and held a hearing before his Senate Commerce Committee on global warming. A half dozen scientists told him that the surface of the earth is warming, that concentrations of so-called ''greenhouse gases'' have significantly increased in the atmosphere, and that there's plenty of evidence humans have something to do with it.
McCain, an Arizona Republican, had been dogged during his unsuccessful presidential campaign by a group of environmental activists who pressed him on the climate issue, especially in New Hampshire. That prompted him to promise hearings on the matter.
It is a signature issue for Vice President Al Gore. Texas Governor George Bush has been vague on the issue, saying he increasingly has come to the conclusion that there may be a warming of the earth but wants more scientific evidence.
In opening the session, McCain said he had no specific plan to address the problem, but that he was ''concerned about mounting evidence that indicates something is happening. ''
McCain made no mention of the Kyoto agreement, signed by President Clinton, that calls for industrial nations to cut emissions that are believed to be warming the Earth - principally carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels. The pact is in limbo, with Congress in no mood to ratify it because, many lawmakers believe, it would be too costly and have marginal impact unless countries like China and India also are required to reduce emissions.
House lawmakers are expected this week to debate a provision that would restrict the ability of the Clinton administration to discuss with other countries measures that would reduce the cost of implementing the Kyoto accord.
