An Alaska scientist whose observations of drowned polar bears helped galvanize the global warming movement has retired as part of a settlement with a federal agency.
Charles Monnett was briefly suspended in 2011 during an investigation into a polar bear research contract he managed. The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management found no evidence of scientific misconduct but reprimanded Monnett for improper release of government documents that an official said were later used against the agency in court. The documents included emails related to Arctic drilling for oil and gas.
When Monnett returned to work, his prior research portfolio had been reassigned. He filed a complaint, seeking, among other things, a job transfer.
Under the settlement, the 65-year-old Monnett will receive $100,000 but cannot seek Interior Department work for five years.
