Former US Senator Jim Inhofe, known for his staunch denial of climate change and his influential role on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has died at the age of 89, as announced by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday. Inhofe had served in the US Senate for nearly three decades, from 1994 until his retirement in 2023.

In his statement, McConnell praised Inhofe for his dedication to public service, stating that the impact of Inhofe's work extended beyond his home state of Oklahoma. McConnell emphasized Inhofe's significant contributions to major infrastructure projects, which had transformative effects on the Heartland region.

Furthermore, McConnell highlighted Inhofe's unwavering support for the growth and modernization of the US military, which bolstered the security of the entire free world. Inhofe had served as the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee during his final years in the Senate, demonstrating his commitment to defense matters.

However, Inhofe's career was not without controversy. As former chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, he drew widespread criticism from environmentalists for his outright denial of climate change. Inhofe famously brandished a snowball on the Senate floor as supposed evidence against climate change, a move that further fueled the debate surrounding his views on this global issue.

In February 2022, Inhofe announced his decision to retire after a notable 55-year political career, which had commenced at the state legislature before progressing to become Tulsa's mayor and ultimately reaching the US House and Senate. The former senator highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles he encountered in obtaining a dock permit, which served as a catalyst for his desire to bring change and ensure that the government worked in favor of the people.

Jim Inhofe leaves behind a complex legacy, marked by his dedication to defense matters and his contentious stance on climate change. As his passing is mourned by some and celebrated by others, his impact on US politics will continue to be debated and analyzed.

The funeral arrangements for Inhofe, as well as his long-term political successor, have yet to be announced.