This case study focuses on decision-making from an applied perspective in a national policy priority area where the issue is salient to the public yet scientific evidence and projections are quite controversial. It simulates policy analysis and examines legislative process through the application of several analytic tools. Tackling climate change threats requires sophisticated policy design, and that design must account for complex scientific modeling and uncertainty about magnitude and timing of negative environmental effects. Such analytic challenges are compounded by lay skepticism and entrenched political and economic conflict from many interest groups. This environment should be understood as limiting options in policy design and shaping legislative outcomes.