Breaking news: Denialgate – Internal Heartland documents expose climate denial funding network

Internal Heartland Institute strategy and funding documents obtained by DeSmogBlog expose the heart of the climate denial machine – its current plans, many of its funders, and details that confirm what DeSmogBlog and others have reported for years. The heart of the climate denial machine relies on huge corporate and foundation funding from U.S. businesses including Microsoft, Koch Industries, Altria (parent company of Philip Morris) RJR Tobacco and more. – DeSmog Blog

It isn’t yet clear if these documents are authentic, but for now, this is what is being reported at DeSmog Blog, the Guardian and at Skeptical Science. Also see analysis at Deep Climate and see my piece from Huff Post last Friday on a similar denier scandal in Australia.

One thing that caught my eye is that our old friend Bob Carter, seems to have been caught with his hand in the cookie jar:

“funding for high-profile individuals who regularly and publicly counter the alarmist AGW message. At the moment, this funding goes primarily to Craig Idso ($11,600 per month), Fred Singer ($5,000 per month, plus expenses), Robert Carter ($1,667 per month), and a number of other individuals, but we will consider expanding it, if funding can be found.”

Update: DeSmog Blog is furiously posting updates, so check there as the story develops.