RE: Identifying the public

[James Cooper <james.cooper@socma.com>]

Peter,

You make a great point here.  Education is a key factor in effective decision-making.  Fred also raises an interesting dilemma:  How can we (society) make sound decisions when we don't know the fundamentals?  Betty has a good suggestion of developing some type of education package covering the basics of science.  May I suggest that instead of one organization developing the tools, a true collaboration with all interested parties,  pooling together their resources and developing a world-class education package.

I realize that even in cold, hard science there are diverging interests, opinions and interpretations.  That is why I recommend the multi-stakeholder approach, perhaps under the leadership of EPA.  Sometimes it will be difficult reaching consensus; however, who says more than one interpretation cannot be presented.  As long as the information is put forth in an open and transparent process, and diverging views are allowed equal time, then the reader (or viewer) will have enough information to make up his or her own mind.

Sincerely,
Jim