On Saturday, I reported that Greenpeace was distributing a “report” accusing Koch Industries and Exxon Mobil Company of funding work that counters global warming propaganda (as if it would be a bad thing). On Tuesday, I posted additional information on Koch Industries with a link to a 2006 WSJ interview with CEO Charles Koch. Below is a response to Greenpeace directly from Koch Industries.
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Statement regarding Greenpeace Report, March 2010
In a consistent, principled effort for more than 50 years – long before climate change was a key policy issue – Koch companies and Koch foundations have worked to advance economic freedom and market-based policy solutions to challenges faced by society. These efforts are about creating more opportunity and prosperity for all, as it’s a historical fact that economic freedom best fosters innovation, environmental protection and improved quality of life in a society.
The Greenpeace report mischaracterizes these efforts and distorts the environmental record of our companies. Koch companies have long supported science-based inquiry and dialogue about climate change and proposed responses to it. Koch companies have put tremendous effort into discovering and adopting innovative practices that reduce energy use and emissions in the manufacture and distribution of our products.
We believe the political response to climate issues should be based on sound science. Both a free society and the scientific method require an open and honest airing of all sides, not demonizing and silencing those with whom you disagree. We’ve strived to encourage an intellectually honest debate on the scientific basis for claims of harm from greenhouse gases. We have tried to help bring out the facts of the potential effectiveness and costs of policies proposed to deal with climate, as it’s crucial to understand whether proposed initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases will achieve desired environmental goals and what effects they would likely have on the global economy.
Other Voices
Abandoning Reality
Examiner.com, April 4
Global Warming: Who’s funding the fight?
Examiner.com, April 3
Attack on Koch Industries exaggerates, misleads
WichitaLiberty.org, April 1
Donations Follow Opinions – Who Knew?
Reason.com, March 31
Report aims to stifle debate on climate science
WichitaLiberty.org, March 31

