Describes the role of Exxon Mobil in the new Global Climate and Energy Project at Stanford University. Questions about the university's independence from the corporation and real impact on the environment are explored. (SLD)

When Robert W. Van Kirk released a study in January about selenium contamination in trout streams in southeastern Idaho, he expected some flak from the influential phosphate-mining industry. He did not expect to feel pressured by the administration of his own institution, Idaho State University, where he is an associate professor of mathematics.…