Prompted by a lobbying group that supports efforts to reduce global warming, three insurance companies and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) have publicly renounced their support for the Heartland Institute, a libertarian research group.
The group Forecast the Facts sought to persuade large companies to drop support for Heartland after the institute started an ad campaign comparing those who believe in global warming to Unabomber Ted Kaczynski.
Similar billboards featuring Charles Manson and Osama bin Laden were planned, but Heartland suspended the ad campaign after widespread condemnation.
Besides ABIR, insurers dropping support for Heartland include State Farm, XL Group and Allied World Assurance.
ABIR, which represents 22 Bermuda-based insurers and reinsurers, withdrew support in a letter to Heartland May 4.
State Farm also cited Heartland's recent billboard campaign as its reason for dropping out, according to Forecast the Facts officials.
ABIR had enlisted Heartland in its efforts to expand market-based solutions to catastrophe issues, including providing a role for reinsurers in funding the National Flood Insurance Program.
In 2010, ABIR provided $50,000 in funding to the think tank, followed by $75,000 in 2011, according to Heartland's 2012 fundraising plan.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. contributed $120,000 to Heartland between 2010 and 2011, and ABIR-member XL Group gave $35,000 in 2011.
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