Recent revelations that global warming data may have been "cooked" by researchers isn't changing the positions of local members of Congress.

The United Nations announced Friday it will conduct its own investigation into e-mails leaked from a leading British climate science center. The e-mails stolen from the climate unit at the University of East Anglia last month appeared to show some of the world's leading scientists discussing ways to shield data from public scrutiny and suppress others' work.

Those who deny the influence of man-made climate change have seized on the correspondence to argue that scientists have been conspiring to hide evidence about global warming. Environmental supporters, meanwhile, say enough scientific evidence does exist to prove that global warming is a reality.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has been among those most supportive of the "cap and trade" legislation presently before Congress. The legislation seeks to control pollution by providing economic incentives for coal-burning plants that reduce their emissions. The revelation that some global warming data may not be accurate hasn't changed Brown's position, according to his spokeswoman, Meghan Dubyak.

"A wealth of peer-reviewed, scientific studies indicate that climate change is both a natural and man-made hazard," she said. " Sen. Brown believes that efforts to address climate change should create new jobs in the clean energy industry and spur investment in U.S. manufacturing."

U.S. Rep. Zack Space, D-Ohio, also voted for "cap and trade" legislation when it came before the House. His office did not answer requests for comment on Thursday or Friday.

Two other local House members voted against "cap and trade," and they acknowledged it is troubling that the scientific data used by supporters might not be accurate.

"The British research team's e-mails were disturbing, obviously," said U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va. "Any scientific research that might be used to help form public policy must be honest and untainted by researchers' preconceived expectations or ideological blinders."

U.S. Rep. Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.Va., concurred that "sound science depends on openness, transparency and a productive peer review process,"

"That's why these e-mails have garnered such attention from across the political spectrum," she said.

The more pressing issue, however, Capito continued, are discussions during next week's Copenhagen Climate Conference, and what outcomes could mean for U.S. legislation and West Virginia.

"Simply put, I remain skeptical that the targets discussed by the White House can possibly be achieved without devastating job loss and economic costs in the Appalachian region," Capito said.

"As the President prepares to go to Copenhagen, he must remember that his preferred cap-and-trade bill stands to pick winners and losers in our own country - and West Virginia will certainly be one of the losers."

And U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., spoke this week on the issue of global warming and "cap and trade" legislation.

"The truth is that some form of climate legislation will likely become public policy because most American voters want a healthier environment," he said. "Major coal-fired power plants and coal operators operating in West Virginia have wisely already embraced this reality, and are making significant investments to prepare.

"The future of coal and indeed of our total energy picture lies in change and innovation. In fact, the future of American industrial power and our economic ability to compete globally depends on our ability to advance energy technology."

Additional comments on "climate gate" were not provided by the offices of U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.; U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio; or U.S. Rep. Charles Wilson, D-Ohio.