This morning, geologist Dr. Rob Young of Western Carolina University has an op-ed in Raleigh’s News & Observer that ought to be required reading for the state lawmakers who’ve decided to listen to the global warming deniers/pseudo-scientists on the matter of sea-level rise.

Young decries the notion that a “compromise” being worked out in the General Assembly would call for a new study (to replace the one he helped prepare as a part of a panel of scientists that advises the state Coastal Resources Commission).

“I have grown weary of hearing our legislators suggest that what we need is a new scientific report on sea-level rise with better science in it. I am told that this is the likely outcome of the compromise being worked out between the state House and Senate.

I have a better suggestion. You have a report that was written by the state’s finest scientists and engineers (at no cost to the state, I might add). If the legislature is really interested in finding the best science, then simply send our report, along with any other reports you like (including those from NC-20) to the National Academy of Sciences for review.”

Amen to that.