Groups Worry About Drilling Politics Trumping Science at Interior

"Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity have asked the Department of the Interior to look into whether the recent suspension of a biologist violates rules meant to protect scientific research from political interference.

The news of the suspension has prompted widespread debate, with environmental groups alleging a connection to plans to drill oil in the Arctic reserve.

Charles Monnett was suspended last month amid an investigation launched by Interior's inspector general. A wildlife biologist at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Monnett was co-author of a 2006 paper on drowned polar bears that helped galvanize the global warming movement."

Emily Yehle reports for Greenwire August 5, 2011.

Source: Greenwire, 08/08/2011