Climate Scientists See Intimidation in Letter from House Energy Chair

Texas Republican Rep. Joe Barton, powerful chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has created a stir among many of the nation’s leading climate scientists over what they call an “unprecedented” inquiry into their research.

In late June, Barton sent a letter to three scientists whose findings show that global temperatures have increased dramatically since 1900. [1] The letter calls on them to provide all the raw data that contributed to their research. Barton has also called on the National Science Foundation for a list of “all grants and other funding” given for climate research.

Critics within the scientific community assert that Barton’s request is a blatant political maneuver to discourage scientists from pursuing studies that might verify the link between global warming and human activity.

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