Patrick J. Michaels is professor of environmental sciences at the University of Virginia, a past president of the National Association of State Climatologists, and senior fellow in environmental studies at the Cato Institute (www.cato.org).

From the Cato Institute Web site's "About Us" page (emphasis added):

The Cato Institute seeks to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of more options that are consistent with the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty, and peace.
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it has approximately 90 full-time employees, 60 adjunct scholars, and 15 fellows, many of whom are among the country's leading advocates of free markets and limited government.
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In order to maintain an independent posture, the Cato Institute accepts no government funding. Contributions are received from foundations, corporations, and individuals,

Gee, I wonder if this Michaels guy has an ideological axe to grind?

I'd say that his opinion is about as credible as that of tobacco company "scientists" who are paid to state that tobacco isn't addictive and doesn't cause cancer.

--Robert