For Immediate Release

May 22, 2007

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;  

 

  1. Minutes of Board of Regents meeting discussions regarding the Arctic exhibit or its subject matter;

 

  1. A list of scientific and other consultants to the Arctic exhibit;

 

  1. The role of non-scientific consultants, if any;

 

  1. The name(s) of Smithsonian officials responsible for editing the text of the exhibit;

 

  1. The name(s) of Smithsonian officials requesting changes to the text of the exhibit;

 

  1. 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

 
 
 

Contact: Eben Burnham-Snyder

Phone: (202) 225-4012