Angie Craig: “earlier this week the Administration released, with much media fanfare, a draft document known as the climate change…”

“earlier this week the Administration released, with much media fanfare, a draft document known as the climate change ``National Assessment'' that purports to assess ``the potential consequences of climate variability and change'' in the United States. I have received several media requests for comments on this document. The document is of considerable length, Mr. President--approximately 600 pages. Frankly, because of its length and the short time I've had to review it, I have been able to give it only a quick review. My preliminary conclusion is that the National Assessment could provide a useful contribution to the climate change debate if it stimulates more serious national interest in advancing climate science. What is clear to me, even after only a quick read, is that the National Assessment was produced in a style and method that is somewhat akin to writing good science fiction.”