WASHINGTON – Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to the withdrawal of the U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General’s subpoena targeting the work of more than 100 academic institutions, scientists and nonprofit organizations that question the administration’s climate change agenda. 

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): “The U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General’s decision to withdraw his subpoena confirms what my committee has known all along -- these legal actions were conceived and driven by environmental groups with an extreme political agenda and no actual regard for the rule of law.  Companies, nonprofit organizations, and scientists deserve the ability to pursue research free from intimidation and threat of prosecution.  The Committee will continue to conduct vigorous oversight to ensure the preservation of scientific freedom and the First Amendment rights of all Americans.”

Background:

On June 20, 17 Republicans from the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee sent letters to 17 state attorneys general reiterating the Committee’s request for documents related to coordinated efforts of state attorneys general and environmental groups to deprive companies, nonprofit organizations, scientists and scholars of their First Amendment rights and their ability to fund and conduct scientific research free from intimidation and threats of prosecution.

On May 18, 13 Republican Members of the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee sent letters to 17 state attorneys general and environmental activist organizations requesting documents related to coordinated efforts of state attorneys general and environmental groups to criminalize scientific dissent.

June 20 letter(s) to attorneys general can be found HERE.

May 18 letter(s) to the attorneys general can be found HERE.

May 18 letter(s) to environmental organizations can be found HERE.