Dr. Peter Gleick returns as president of Oakland-based Pacific Institute

Oakland's Pacific Institute has announced that Peter Gleick, an internationally known expert on water and climate issues, has returned as its president.

Gleick requested a leave of absence in February after admitting he used a false name to obtain confidential documents from the libertarian Heartland Institute, a pro-industry think tank known for minimizing the risks of global warming.

"I am glad to be back and thank everyone for continuing their important work at the Pacific Institute during my absence," Gleick said in a statement released late Wednesday. "I am returning with a renewed focus and dedication to the science and research that remain at the core of the Pacific Institute's mission."

The institute conducted an review that cleared Gleick of any further wrongdoing.

"Dr. Gleick has apologized publicly for his actions, which are not condoned by the Pacific Institute and run counter to the institute's policies and standard of ethics over its 25-year history," the institute said in a statement posted on its website. "The board of directors accepts Dr. Gleick's apology for his lapse in judgment. We look forward to his continuing in the Pacific Institute's ongoing and vital mission to advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity."

The Chicago-based Heartland Institute on Thursday denounced the Pacific Institute's internal investigation as a "whitewash."

"Fakegate -- which began when a

fake memo was circulated to defame the world's most prominent source of skepticism on man-made global warming -- has now generated a fake investigation claiming to exonerate the person at the center of the scandal," Joseph Bast, president of the Heartland Institute, said in a statement.

Bast said the Pacific Institute has refused to reveal who conducted its investigation or release its report.

"The Pacific Institute's board of directors has failed to perform its duty and should be deeply ashamed," Bast said. "We have asked the federal government to prosecute Gleick for what we believe were serious crimes he committed, and we await its decision."

Contact Dana Hull at 408-920-2706. Follow her at Twitter.com/danahull.

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