Don't trust federal scientists' global-warming conclusions

The photo that accompanies the article, "Scientists: Global warming is real, and it is only getting worse," shows Michelle Obama holding a head of lettuce [seattletimes.com, Travel/Outdoors, June 17]. Global warming is not proven, and I don't want my tax money supporting legislation based on the "federal" scientists saying anything.

What in the world is a federal scientist? I prefer plain old scientist.

No politics, no alliances, no biases -- no federal. Who is handling the hiring? Who is paying a federal scientist? Why should we care?

Science is analytical and looks at theories. It tests hypotheses. We need policy based on evidence that is not tainted by nonscience.

Let's mix it up with all the academics and start avoiding the meddling Obamas.

-- Pam Schmoll, Bellevue

New bill finally addresses global-warming threat

The Obama administration has just released a groundbreaking, government-science report titled "Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States." The report's conclusions are clear.

Global warming is already affecting our nation, and we must take decisive action to address it. Among the impacts: extreme heat waves, floods, devastating hurricanes, the spread of disease, water shortages, threats to the nation's cities, highways, ports and food production and disruptions to U.S. energy supply. In short, failure to address climate change has the potential to cause a catastrophic economic burden.

As early as next week, the U.S. House may vote on historic legislation that will address global warming. The American Clean Energy and Security Act will reduce greenhouse gases, make polluters pay for the costs of dumping carbon pollution into the air, create a new clean-energy industry and the businesses and jobs to support it and safeguard the natural resources upon which life depends.

Our representatives should vote for this bill when it comes to the floor of the House.

-- Paulette Doulatshahi, Mercer Island

Wake up: Global warming is real

The just-released White House report on climate-change impacts is a wake-up call for us to move swiftly to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

As an angler, this report is particularly troubling given the projected impacts of climate change to salmon and steelhead. The report projects that if climate change continues unabated, flooding in the spring and summer droughts will continue to increase, impacting salmon populations and forest health. Congress must act now to address the impacts of a rapidly changing climate.

Congressman Dave Reichert, R-8th District, will have a chance to provide needed leadership in the coming week, when the House votes on the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Not only will this bill cap harmful greenhouse-gas emissions and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, but it uses a portion of money generated by the sale of emissions permits to invest in our natural resources to safeguard wildlife from the effects of global warming.

Regardless of climate change, we are exporting our economy wholesale to the Middle East, and multinational oil companies.

Congressman Reichert needs to support clean energy. It means protecting our hunting and fishing traditions for our children and grand children.

-- Mark Heckert, Puyallup