Rep. Edward Markey has released a nine-page letter (PDF) sent to Thad Allen demanding answers on Allen’s authorization of the use of dispersants to fight the BP spill. Allen defends himself here.

To be honest, this really is one big science experiment in the Gulf where we won’t know the results for years to come. We really don’t how much damage was done by the dispersants, nor do we know how much damage was averted with the use of these chemicals.

But, to be fair to Thad Allen, he is the on-site commander. He’s working with the facts he has at hand and its unseemly at best to challenge his decisions as the war is being fought. Markey should take his concerns to President Obama rather than resort to a PR stunt.