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The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming addressed our nation's energy, economic and national security challenges during the 110th and 111th Congresses.

This is an archived version of the committee's website, where the public, students and the media can continue to access and learn from our work.
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LETTER TO SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE ON POSSIBLE ALTERATION OF GLOBAL WARMING ARCTIC EXHIBIT

The Honorable Cristian Samper

Acting Secretary

Smithsonian Institute

SIB 205

Washington, DC 20560

  
Dear Acting Secretary Samper:

Recent news reports suggest that the Smithsonian Institute may have altered the official text of last year's exhibit “The Arctic—A Friend Acting Strangely” for inappropriate reasons. (Zongker, Brett (May 21, 2007). Smithsonian Accused of Altering Exhibit. Associated Press.) I am deeply disturbed by allegations that the Smithsonian Institute would alter publicly presented scientific information in response to real or perceived pressure from the White House or Members of Congress to suppress evidence that human activity is contributing to global warming.  The need to confront the challenge of global warming has been delayed significantly by a concerted effort to deny the scientific consensus regarding the dangers of climate change. It would be a tragedy if one of our nation’s most revered scientific institutions were somehow complicit in this activity.

The Committee intends to examine this matter more closely. In order to assist us in this inquiry, I would appreciate receiving the following:  

  1. Copies of all letters or email communications regarding the “Arctic—A Friend Acting Strangely” exhibit;
  2. Minutes of Board of Regents meeting discussions regarding the Arctic exhibit or its subject matter; 
  3. A list of scientific and other consultants to the Arctic exhibit; 
  4. The role of non-scientific consultants, if any;
  5. The name(s) of Smithsonian officials responsible for editing the text of the exhibit; 
  6. The name(s) of Smithsonian officials requesting changes to the text of the exhibit;
  7. Smithsonian outreach to congressional committees and members regarding the exhibit. 

Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter. Please respond to this request as soon as possible, and no later than June 1, 2007. Should you have any questions regarding this request, please contact Ms. Danielle Baussan of the Select Committee staff at 225-4012.  Thank you.

                                                                                   
Sincerely,


Edward J. Markey

Chairman

Select Committee on Energy

Independence and Global Warming

PLEASE NOTE: The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was created to explore American clean energy solutions that end our reliance on foreign oil and reduce carbon pollution.

The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.

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