Scientist Loses Federal Funding for Challenging Big Oil

A prominent marine scientist at the University of Alaska has been denied his federal research grant and evicted from his office because he was an “advocate” for environmental protection, according to a ruling released yesterday by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

According to the press release, “the university cited pressure from the grant agency, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, to silence the scientist’s public critique of oil industry Arctic development plans as a key rationale for its decision.”

As a result Professor Rick Steiner, a noted marine conservation specialist, has lost access to any further funding from the NOAA, and has been forced to move to an office where he can be monitored more closely by University administration.

“President Hamilton [of University of Alaska Fairbanks] seems to believe that his faculty still enjoys academic freedom even while he permits imposition of penalties for views simply because they conflict with the university’s financial backers – big oil,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “This decision suggests that the University of Alaska is to academic freedom what Burma is to open political debate.”

The Steiner case is being compared by faculty members to “the Firecracker Boys” episode of 50 years ago at the University of Alaska. In that case, university scientists working under federal grants were fired after the funding agency complained of their public advocacy. The scientists had publicized the likely environmental consequences of allowing the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to excavate a new harbor in Arctic Alaska using thermonuclear bombs. Thirty years later, the university recognized its error and awarded the scientists honorary doctorate degrees.

The faculty union, United Academics, had filed a grievance on Prof. Steiner’s behalf protesting these actions as a violation of university-guaranteed academic freedom and other institutional policies.

Image Credit: cache.daylife.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Beth B.

12:55PM PDT on Oct 23, 2009

Glenn T. - You're right, I didn't include details of the allegations, as I was simply looking to make people aware of the issue. I always encourage readers to look at other angles/coverage so they will get a clear picture of the event. Thanks for reading :)

send a green star

Glenn T.

5:12AM PDT on Oct 23, 2009

I was disappointed that the article provided no details of the complaints against teh professor. It strted wih the contention that advocacy as his demise, but didn't provide the details so that I coulod make up my own mind. I contrast this with the Jennings article int eh same email which provides a lot more detail and is much more convincing

Ken B.

2:47AM PDT on Oct 23, 2009

The University should be ashamed! (Of course this is the state that gave us Sarah Palin!) Pretty soon everything will be owned by Big Oil. I think that President Hamailton and any others invovled in this betrayal should be fired!

Mandy M.

8:03PM PDT on Oct 22, 2009

Please dont stop making your voice heared. This planet needs people who speak the truth like you. Thanks for caring.
All the procrastination in the world wont stop Global warming.. only ACTION will ...

Rex J.

7:22PM PDT on Oct 22, 2009

Big oil 1, truth 0.

Barbara V.

4:34PM PDT on Oct 22, 2009

I find it morally shocking that this environmentally concerned scientist was downgraded by his own university for speaking up against Big Oil. So what now? The whole country has been complaining to the government about the Big Oil pigs, yet nothing is done about it. That must mean that Big Business runs the country for sure, and heaven help the brave whistle-blowers. Supposing we stuck to our guns about "clean and green." Does that mean we'd be deported for being environmentally concerned--or does Big Oil have hit men they contract if somebody makes too much noise? I'll bet you dollars to donuts they do. Meanwhile, I truly hope something can be done for this honorable man.

Lyn M.

12:09PM PDT on Oct 22, 2009

I expect better of government under our current President, but NOAA obviously hasn't changed since Bush decided that what's right for Big Oil is always right no matter what the evidence is to the contrary. Perhaps we need to start a petition to get NOAA to change its position??

Pamela F.

10:11AM PDT on Oct 22, 2009

What do we expect after the past 8 years of Bush editing scientific documents to benefit big oil's future.

Past Member .

9:56AM PDT on Oct 22, 2009

Big oil will be responsible for the demise of our earth and they think they can escape the calamity. I have news for you big oil bullies, you are the first to go, we will see to that. And Ruth, yes, they are Palin buddies.

Kathleen C.

9:00AM PDT on Oct 22, 2009

Until government (Canada, US,...) solely is the funder for research and educational institutions, we will ALWAYS end up with this issue; the big boys want to keep our mouths SHUT! I've also contended with the big boys trying to shut me and our company up because of our environmental views - we're still alive and kicking! The government needs to get a reality check and keep brown nose funding out of government, out of research and out of our educational institutions.