Inhofe Comments on Next Phase of Penn State Climate Science Investigation

epw.senate.gov ^ | February 3, 2010 | Sen. James Inhofe

[neverdem]

Contact:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642

Inhofe Comments on Next Phase

Of Penn State Climate Science Investigation

Calls on NSF to Explore Federal Laws, Policies Involved

Link to Letter

WASHINGTON, DC - Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, responded to Penn State's announcement today concerning its investigation into possible research misconduct by Dr. Michael Mann.

Penn State's internal inquiry found further investigation is warranted to determine if Dr. Mann "engaged in, directly or indirectly, any actions that seriously deviated from accepted practices within the academic community for proposing, conducting or reporting research or other scholarly activities."

"I want to commend Penn State for recognizing the seriousness of the allegations leveled at Dr. Mann by launching an initial inquiry into whether he committed research misconduct," Senator Inhofe said. "As the University moves to the next phase of its investigation, I believe the Inspector General of the National Science Foundation should also commence an investigation to examine possible violations of federal laws and policies governing taxpayer-funded research.

"The stakes involved here are enormous.  The scientific work in question is part of a larger enterprise behind federal climate change policies that will cost American consumers trillions of dollars.  So when we learn, as we did last week, that the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report included serious errors, raising questions about the integrity of its work, we need to reassure the American people that their tax dollars are supporting objective scientific research rather than political agendas." 

Text of Letter Included Below:

February 03, 2010

  Allison C. LernerInspector General

National Science Foundation
Office of Inspector General
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230

 

Dear Ms. Lerner:

 

This is a follow-up to my letter of December 2, 2009 and concerns today’s announcement by Penn State University that it has concluded its initial inquiry into possible research misconduct by one of the University’s researchers, Dr. Michael Mann.  Penn State’s internal inquiry found further investigation is warranted to determine if Dr. Mann "engaged in, directly or indirectly, any actions that seriously deviated from accepted practices within the academic community for proposing, conducting or reporting research or other scholarly activities." 

 

While I firmly agree that Penn State’s investigation is warranted and must commence without delay, there are federal laws and policies implicated in this matter, including your “Research Misconduct” regulations, Title 45 CFR Part 689, that go beyond the scope of Penn State’s inquiry.   Therefore, in order to have a full and complete accounting of this matter, I request that you now begin a formal investigation of the allegations against Dr. Mann. 

Among other laws and regulations, I ask that you investigate compliance with, or violations of, OMB administrative procedures, 2 CFR Part 215 (OMB Circular A-110), in particular 2 CFR  §215.36; Freedom of Information Act 5 U.S.C. §552 (NSF Regulation, 45 CFR Part 612); NSF guidelines implementing OMB information quality guidelines (515 Guidelines); Federal False Claims Act, 18 U.S.C. §287, and 31 U.S.C. §§3729-33; and Federal False Statements Act, 18 U.S.C §1001. Finally, given that Dr. Mann was at the University of Virginia from 1999 until 2005, I also request that you inquire whether his activities at the University of Virginia are implicated in this matter and within your jurisdiction.  

Sincerely,  

James M. Inhofe

Ranking Member 

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works 

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[bitt]

“Inhofe for President!”

I’ll second it!

[neverdem]

Thank you. I’ll be back. I just found an open access article about neural stem cells that I want to link with its press release. I’ve been waiting for its abstract for over a week.

[PGalt]

Thanks for the ping. BTTT!

[Inwoodian]

I refuse to contribute to my alma mater but instead contribute to Hillsdale College, one of the only bastions of freedom left in the U.S. You might consider doing the same.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

The original ones were former Senator Tim Wirth and James Hansen.

Timothy Wirth is the President of the United Nations Foundation

[Rocky]

Yes, that lunatic Hansen definitely needs to be fired. He’s been supported by public money for decades while he pushes his idiotic ideas.

Seeing as he has often refused to release data, and has been caught fudging analyses in the past, his actions have certainly bordered on fraud. Using government money to trick Congress and the American people into voting for regression to the stone age. It’s his dream. He should be punished for nearly succeeding in it.