BILL SEEKS INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Global climate change "represents a clear and present danger tothe security and economy of the United States," according to abipartisan bill introduced in the Senate yesterday, and ittherefore warrants the focused attention of U.S. intelligenceagencies."

For years, many of us have examined global warming as anenvironmental or economic issue," said Senator Dick Durbin(D-IL). "We also need to consider it as a security concern. Ourbill begins this process by requiring a National IntelligenceEstimate to assess the strategic challenges presented by theworld's changing climate.""

In this legislation, we ask for the intelligence community toprovide a strategic estimate of the risks posed by globalclimate change for countries or regions that are of particulareconomic or military significance to the United States or thatare at serious risk of humanitarian suffering," Senator Durbinsaid. "This NIE will assess the political, social,agricultural, and economic challenges for countries and theirlikely impact."

The new bill is jointly sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) andSen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

"Senator Durbin and I differ on policy initiatives designed toreduce the impact of climate change," said Sen. Hagel. "We doagree, however, on the need to assess potential impacts of thechanging climate on U.S. national security interests so that ourNation can develop responsible, forward-thinking policies thatensure the continued safety and prosperity of the Americanpeople."

See their March 28 introductory statements and the text of thenew bill (S. 1018) here: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2007_cr/s1018.html

Among the eleven "policy coordinating committees" at the NationalSecurity Council that were established by President Bush'sNational Security Presidential Directive 1 in February 2001 isone on "Global Environment." But this NSC committee has left noidentifiable public trace on U.S. policy.