White House edits to EPA Report on the Environment

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on September 25, 2003). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

The White House really doesn’t want to admit that there’s such a thing as global warming. Need proof that they’re doing everything they can to prevent little things like scientific findings from getting in the way of their agenda? A leaked internal memo from the EPA dated April 29th 2003 discussing changes that the White House made to the EPA’s Report on the Environment, and what options they have while dealing with the White House.

  1. Most important, the ROE no longer accurately represents scientific consensus on climate change. A few examples are:
    1. Conclusions of the NRC (2001) are discarded, that multiple studies indicate recent warming is unusual. The 1000 year temperature record is deleted…. Emphasis is given to a recent, limited analysis [that] supports the Administration’s favored message….

    2. Natural variability is used to mask scientific consensus that most of the recent temperature increase is likely due to human activities….

    3. Uncertainty is inserted (with “potentially” or “may”) where there is essentially none. For example, the introductory paragraph on climate change…says that changes in the radiative balance of the atmosphere “may” affect weather and climate. EPA had provided numerous scientific citations, and even Congressional testimony by Patrick J. Michaels, to show that this relationship is not disputed….

    4. Repeated references may leave an impression that cooling is as much of an issue as warming….

(via Boing Boinga>)