A White House official edited government reports in ways that played down
links between global warming and emissions, the New York Times reported.
Philip Cooney removed or adjusted descriptions of climate research that had
already been approved by government scientists, the newspaper said.
The White House denied Mr Cooney, a former oil industry advocate, watered down
the reports.
It said the changes were part of a normal inter-agency review process.
The reports were "based on the best available science", spokesman Scott
McClellan said.
Mr Cooney is chief of staff for the White House Council on Environmental
Quality, which helps devise and promote the administration's policies on
environmental issues.
The administration of President George W Bush has consistently questioned the
need for quick action on climate change, and the US has refused to ratify the
Kyoto ...