"House Dems: Did Big Oil Seek To Sway Scientists in Climate Debate?"

"A key Democratic lawmaker is seeking an expanded inquiry into whether fossil-fuel companies have been secretly underwriting the research of some of the country’s most prominent scientific skeptics of climate change.

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D- Ariz.), the ranking member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, sent requests to seven universities asking for detailed records on the funding sources for affiliated researchers who have opposed the scientific consensus on man-made global warming. Grijalva cited concerns over possible conflicts of interest involving scientists who have sought to influence the public debate on climate.

“Companies with a direct financial interest in climate and air-quality standards are funding environmental research that influences state and federal regulation and shapes public understanding of climate scientists,” Grijalva wrote in letters addressed to the presidents of the seven universities. He asked for copies of the scientists’ financial disclosure forms as well as information about the sources of research grants."

Joby Warrick reports for the Washington Post February 24, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Willie Soon: 'Too Much Ice Is Really Bad for Polar Bears'" (InsideClimate News)

"My Depressing Day With A Famous Climate Skeptic" (NPR)