According to a recent report published by Bloomberg, e-mails reveal a pattern of industry pressure on scientists at the Oklahoma Geological Survey to downplay possible links between the rise in seismic activity in Oklahoma and the rapid increase in oil and gas production, the state’s largest industry. The e-mails were released through public records requests filed by Bloomberg and other media outlets, including EnergyWire. To view the original article click here.
This recent article underscores a trend by big business to pressure and even falsify scientific findings in order to evade liability and increase profits. In 2010, The Guardian published a similar article denouncing the publication of several articles downplaying the health risks of asbestos. Similarly, in 2013, The Lancet published an article regarding alleged links between the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the asbestos industry.