Climate change believers split from Heartland Institute
By David Weigel
14 May 2012 On Friday, the libertarian, Chicago-based Heartland Institute made a routine-sounding announcement. It would “spin off its insurance research project effective May 31.” The D.C.-based Center on Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate would break off; its director, Eli Lehrer, would found some new project. “We urge any individual, foundation, and corporation with an interest in insurance and related finance issues to contribute to Eli’s new organization once it is up and running,” said Heartland President Joseph Bast in a statement. “We look forward to working closely with Eli in the future.” Today, the spin-off – dubbed the R Street Institute – sent out a statement from its spokesman, R.J. Lehmann. Most of it was boilerplate about how the team of six Heartland refugees would keep working on “much the same portfolio of issues we already have been.” Oh, one caveat:There is one thing that will certainly change from ending our association with Heartland: R Street will not promote climate change skepticism. […]
