| May 4, 2010 |  |
VA Attorney General Cuccinelli Harasses Climate Scientist
UCS Calls for Him to Rescind His ‘Misguided’ Investigation
Virginia scientists and academic leaders are encouraged to sign a letter asking the attorney general to stop his investigation at www.ucsusa.org/vascientistletter.
WASHINGTON (May 4, 2010) – In a letter sent late yesterday afternoon to Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) asked Cuccinelli to rescind his misguided investigation into the work of climate scientist Michael Mann. Mann, a professor at Penn State University, was on the faculty of the University of Virginia between 1999 and 2005.
Cuccinelli's office sent the University of Virginia a "civil investigative demand" on April 23, effectively subpoenaing documents related to state grants Mann received. The letter demanded that the university turn over many types of documents, including correspondence between Mann and other climate scientists whose names appear in emails stolen from Britain's University of East Anglia that were publicized last year.
In the emails, scientists expressed frustration about relentless attacks on their data and research methods. Every investigation conducted thus far into the contents of the emails has found that the scientific foundation of climate science remains robust. A number of investigations over the last few years also have vindicated Mann's data and research methods.
Below is a statement by Timothy Donaghy, a scientific integrity analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
"While the stolen emails have provided grist for the blogosphere, independent investigations have found that Michael Mann's research is scientifically defensible and that climate science in general is sound. Attorney General Cuccinelli's misguided investigation is tantamount to yet another dog barking up the same tree.
"It is unacceptable to go after Dr. Mann and other climate scientists simply because you don't agree with their research results. The public would be better served by an attorney general who refrains from distracting and intimidating scientists and confusing the public about climate change science.
"Mr. Cuccinelli's frivolous investigation sends a chill throughout the science community. He needs to realize that science thrives on open communication and debate. If scientists are deprived of their ability to challenge each other's work without fear of legal action, public understanding is bound to suffer."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
