Thread by @jvipondmd

A short thread on the mysterious world of new energy thinktanks supporting the fossil fuel industry, popping up around Canada recently.
#debunktionjunktion
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Prompted by this article I read this am in @globeandmail.
Containing the phrase "the newly formed think tank called Energy Futures Initiative" spouting off a pro-natural gas narrative.
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theglobeandmail.com/business/artic…

Here is the passage.
So I got curious, what is this amazing think tank? Filled with what plethora of deep thinkers?
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the website is easy to find:

(although not to be confused with the strangely identically named US think tank: )
4/ energyfuturesinitiative.ca
energyfuturesinitiative.org

Two questions I needed answering:
Who is involved?
Where is the money coming from?
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Who is easy enough, as there only seems to be one person associated with the org: the chair Barry Penner, former min of Enviro for the previous right wing BC Liberal party government.
SubQ: Chair of a committee of one?
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The $$ question is more interesting. Funded by Resource Works, a BC non-profit, that seems partly funded by the Business Council of BC (although there are likely other donors).
7/ resourceworks.com

The ResourceWorks board has among its members:
Chair is Public Affairs executive
Transmountain pipeline ex-CEO
Corporate lobbyist for Rio Tinto and SNC Lavalin

8/resourceworks.com/board-members

HOw does ResourceWorks feel about natural gas?
see below (over 100 hits on the search)

9/ resourceworks.com/search_results…

I'd love to know if this org gets any funding from the oil and gas industry or other right wing think tanks. But I believe as a non-profit (not a charity) their donor info is hidden from public sight.
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So. Careful what you read. consider the source. Consider the messaging.

Journalists: you especially. fin/

@GeoffDembicki @CAPE_ACME @Melissa_Lem @DeSmog

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