Three researchers who have challenged mainstream scientific views of climate change have joined Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s office, according to the Department of Energy’s internal registry.
Among the new additions is Steve Koonin, an Obama-era DOE undersecretary who helped develop President Donald Trump’s plan to challenge climate science during his first stint in the White House. Koonin is listed as a special government employee.
Koonin, who is also a professor at New York University and former top scientist at BP, has long pushed to conduct a “red team, blue team” review of climate science, pitting two groups of researchers against each other to debate scientific reports such as the National Climate Assessment.
DOE did not immediately respond when asked for comment. The New York Times first reported the staffing changes.
