Scientist calls University of Calgary energy centre a failure by CBC News, January 28, 2013
The former director of an interdisciplinary research group of an energy research centre at the University of Calgary is calling the centre a failure. Climate scientist David Keith says the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy is critically important, but has not been able to balance the interests of private industry and environmental advocates. Keith says the university for example, removed an academic at the request of Enbridge. “That just fundamentally misconceives the university’s role,” says Keith who is now a professor at Harvard University in the United States. Liberal MLA David Swann says he’s concerned. “It’s affecting both the direction of research and the results of research and it throws into question the results we’re producing at the university of Calgary,” Swann said. Meanwhile, Liberal leader Raj Sherman is calling for an investigation. “The Integrity of one of our top institutions has been brought into question by a highly respected individual,” Sherman says. “This needs to be looked at.” Enbridge released a statement to CBC saying the company was not involved in the recruitment process, the appointment nor changes to leadership roles at the university and “any claims to the contrary are categorically false.” …
In a written statement to the CBC, the University of Calgary says the centre was created to develop cost-effective solutions to the environmental challenges of energy production and use. “We believe ISEE is delivering on that mandate,” reads the statement. On Wednesday, the U of C issued the another statement from president Elizabeth Cannon: “The University of Calgary believes in and supports the academic integrity and independence of scholarly inquiry that is the foundation and core value of great universities. Balancing the views and interests of the academy, industry, government and non-governmental groups is not always easy, and often there are conflicts and disagreements. We believe that a university offers a valuable forum for debate, collaboration, and ultimately, ground-breaking research to address the significant challenges facing our society and our world. The University of Calgary’s belief in independent scholarly inquiry and academic freedom guides us when there are conflicts. The university’s executive is committed to continuous improvement in academic and administrative leadership and management. … Beginning in 2012, the university began developing an interdisciplinary energy research strategy with extensive input from, and consultation with, the internal academic community, the energy industry and government. The strategy builds on existing research strength at the university, led by more than 200 researchers in a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, law, economics, health, management and public policy. An independent panel of international academic experts will be asked to review the strategy to ensure that it is of the highest calibre and at a global level. … The University of Calgary values the support of our many industry partners, including Enbridge. The Enbridge Centre for Corporate Sustainability in the Haskayne School of Business is designed as an incubator for the research and development of business practices that account for social, environmental, and economic considerations. We are proud to partner with Enbridge on this important initiative. The Centre’s terms of reference make it clear that it will at all times operate within the mandate of the university for independent scholarly inquiry and academic freedom. …” [Emphasis added]
[Refer also to: University of Calgary Prostitutes Itself To Big Oil & Gas
Enbridge Kalamazoo oil spill victim holds community meeting spellbound
Enbridge slammed for ‘Keystone Kops’ response to Michigan spill by Carrie Tait, July 10, 2012, The Globe and Mail
In its report, the NTSB said that not only was Enbridge’s response to the spill slow, but the Calgary-based company knew at least five years before the massive leak that the pipeline was corroded and cracked. External corrosion and cracking caused the 471-kilometre pipeline to rupture, the NTSB said. Roughly 15,000 defects were identified in a 2005 report, a presenter at the hearing said. … David Mayer, a managing director at the NTSB, who delivered part of the NTSB’s findings, said “pervasive organizational failures at Enbridge” added to the company’s slow response and prolonged spill. Enbridge staff twice pumped more crude – about 81 per cent of the total release – after the pipeline ruptured, Ms. Hersman said. … The NTSB’s five-member panel argued industry regulators are also at fault. “Delegating too much authority to the regulated [companies] to assess their own system risks and correct them is tantamount to the fox guarding the hen house,” Ms. Hersman said in her closing comments. “Regulators need regulations and practices with teeth – and the resources to enable them to take corrective action before a spill, not after.” [Emphasis added]
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