<div>Climate sceptic group IPA suggested as co-host of Australian visit by Trump's environment chief</div>

Scott Pruitt’s cancelled trip would have promoted ‘innovation deregulation’, emails released under FoI show • Sign up to receive the top stories in Australia every day at noonThe climate sceptic thinktank the Institute of Public Affairs was mooted as a co-host of an Australian visit by Donald Trump’s beleaguered Environment Protection Agency head, Scott Pruitt, which may have included discussion with local officials on whether environmental deals should be changed or cancelled.Emails released to the US environment group the Sierra Club under freedom of information laws show that Matthew Freedman, a Washington consultant who describes himself as “a close personal friend” of the Australian environment minister, Josh Frydenberg, played a central role in organising Pruitt’s proposed August trip before it was cancelled when Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas gulf coast. Related: Scott Pruitt insincerely asked what's Earth's ideal temperature. Scientists answer | Dana Nuccitelli Related: 'If I were the president, I'd get rid of you': Scott Pruitt lacerated at ethics hearing Continue reading...