john locke foundation

February 6, 2013 - Conservative mega-donor Art Pope has helped finance a movement to discredit mainstream climate science. Now North Carolina's budget director, he will help make important fiscal decisions for a state facing serious threats from climate change.

January 30, 2013 - Every December, the family foundation run by GOP mega-donor Art Pope publicizes the money it gives to the arts and community services. But it rarely mentions its grants to conservative groups and causes -- even though they make up 70% of the Pope Foundation's philanthropy.

December 21, 2012 - Wealthy Republican donor Art Pope has been building influence and clout for years in North Carolina. Appointed this week to direct the state's budget, he now finds himself with his hands on the levers of power.

November 28, 2012 - Conservative groups whose clout grew in the recent N.C. elections want to repeal a groundbreaking state law requiring utilities to generate a small percentage of energy from renewable sources. Incoming Republican Gov. Pat McCrory has close ties to renewable energy foes -- and to renewable energy proponents. If forced to choose, which side would he be on?

November 1, 2012 - The Kansas-based oil and chemical conglomerate headed by billionaire financiers of the anti-regulatory right has dramatically increased its contributions to North Carolina politics as the state grapples with fracking and other key energy issues.

October 25, 2012 - The American Tradition Institute has aggressively sought the emails of climatologists as part of its effort to discredit the science of global warming. But when it comes to following the rules about its own legally required disclosures, it's less than compliant.

September 24, 2012 - Who are the biggest groups vying for influence in North Carolina? How are conservative and progressive groups different? An Institute report offers a glimpse into some of the biggest groups and networks on the left and right in the state.