EPA CHOOSES TO CLOSE OFF OPEN SCIENTIFIC DEBATE

"EPA could have chosen to have an open, transparent process to look at the implications of Climategate and hear scientists of all persuasions debate key scientific issues in an open forum," Sen. Inhofe said. "Open and fulsome debate only strengthens the foundations of scientific knowledge. But EPA chose instead to dismiss legitimate concerns about data quality, transparency, and billions of dollars of taxpayer-funded science as products of ‘conspiracies.' Rather, such ad hominem attacks are products of closed-mindedness and ultimately harm EPA's reputation and legal standing in court."

[Lack of global warming blamed for fatal Yellowstone-area bear attack?]

Bear reports have been flooding into the Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional office in Missoula this year because of a cold spring that has delayed fruit and berry growth by about two weeks, said Jamie Jonkel, bear management specialist. Consequently, bears are prowling the lowlands where people live and play to find food.