Yesterday, we told you about the Associated Press’ story that claimed Smithsonian officials altered a Museum of Natural History exhibit on climate change in order to make it less controversial. Subsequently, the Smithsonian issued a statement denouncing the AP report and the allegations made by Robert Sullivan, a former associate director at the National Museum of Natural History. The statement also claimed that the exhibit was not the subject of either internal or external political pressure. Now the House of Representatives has stepped in to mediate.

The AP follows up today with the news that The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, formed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and chaired by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass), “sent a letter to the Smithsonian requesting all letters and e-mails about last year’s ‘Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely’ exhibit.”

Among other requests, the House committee asked for the names of all Smithsonian officials who edited the exhibit script or requested changes, the minutes of any related discussions by the Smithsonian Board of Regents, any correspondence with Congress, and the names of outside scientists or consultants who contributed to the project.

Photo by wallyg