1.  Define the following words as used in the article:

• mitigate (para. 3)
• intuitive, propagators (para. 4)
• cursory (para. 6)
• impugn, contingent (para. 15)

2.  a) What actions have been proposed in climate-change action plans by special governor-commissioned advisory groups in more than a dozen states?
b)  What is the problem with implementing these plans?

3.  How many states have taken steps toward creating a top-down comprehensive strategy to reduce global warming?

4.  Reporter Mark Bergin points out that one group (The Center for Climate Strategies - CCS) is behind almost every Kyoto-like policy proposal and governor-commissioned advisory panel, and that the CCS insists that it maintains complete impartiality when working with state governors to develop policy proposals.
a) What is one of CCS's stated goals listed on its website?
b) What is the problem with CCS's stated goal in relation to its claim of being impartial?

5.  How do CCS's actions contradict its claim that it "does not take positions on climate policy issues or legislation" and that "Our organization doesn't take positions on anything?"

6.  How is CCS able to give states inexpensive or free input?

7.  Thomas Peterson, Executive Director of CCS says that the organizations which fund CCS do not influence its objectivity.  What do you think?  Explain your answer.

8.  a) What is the PEC?
b)  How is CCS associated with the PEC?

9.  According to the conservative group the John Locke Foundation, what might affect the CCS's ability to build partnerships with state governors?

10. Whether you believe that man's actions will cause an imminent catastrophic warming of the planet or not, do you think that CCS should be involved in making recommendations to state governments on addressing climate change?  Explain your answer.