$2500 isn't that bad for a person of that level (in his field) to personally do consulting work. anyone with great credentials, does extremely specialized work, or is very well known in their field (in this case, all three) can always get a fat pay check.

it doesn't say anywhere in that link that he delivered the OPEC-underwritten speech to congress - which makes this no different than another consulting gig. being paid for his time doesn't mean anything. and again, i'm willing to bet that the sierra club and every other major environmental organization compensates its consultants/experts/professors/etc very well. so what would the difference be?

anyways, i agree with reno and your initial posting in that all scientific possiblities need to be investigated fully. this is what science is supposed to be about.