The Center's work relies on the generous support of its donors.  Please make a secure online donation.

About the Center
About Us
Mission Statement
The Center View
Staff and Advisors
History
Archived Files
Sitemap

Ron's Blog
Read and comment

Center Projects
Washington
International Affairs
The Economy
Energy
The Climate Lobby
Taxes and Spending
Eco-Terrorism
Property Rights
Faith and Free Enterprise
Wise Use
Your Contributions

Action Fund
CDFE Action Fund

Featured Links
Energy Keepers Network
Internet Freedom Coalition
Eco-Imperialism
Green Tracking Library
ActivistCash.com
Energy Killers
Public Interest Watch
More Links...

 

 

Earlier CDFE Web

 

---

Group Demands REAL Investigation Into Mann
January 12, 2010 ● By Paul Chesser

The Commonwealth Foundation in Harrisburg, Pa. does not trust Pennsylvania State University to investigate Climategate hockey sticker Michael Mann, because of the millions of dollars that his research brings to the university. The foundation today released a 12-page policy brief which addresses Mann's Climategate emails, the significance of his role, and why the university has a conflict of interest in investigating him. Commonwealth held a press conference today at the state capitol about their report:

The hockey stick controversy and Climategate emails reveal that Michael Mann may have committed significant and intentional scientific misconduct, including improper data manipulation, inappropriately shielding research methods and results from others, and engaging in a number of forms of retaliation against those who publicly challenge his research results.

Were scientific misconduct a criminal matter, the aforementioned facts might be said to constitute “probable cause” for a search warrant. Analogously, these facts provide probable cause for an investigation into Mann’s conduct at PSU.

Although PSU has announced that it will investigate Climategate, given Mann’s financial and reputational value to the university, and the likely embarrassment resulting from an adverse finding concerning his conduct, there is good reason to believe that a PSU-managed investigation might amount to little more than a whitewash.

Commonwealth Foundation goes on to recommend that the state General Assembly commission an external, independent investigation. Pennsylvania State Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeffrey Piccola has already promised Penn State that if its investigation is a whitewash, he will do one that isn't.

Original Article