Jacob Carter

Research scientist

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Jacob Carter is a research scientist for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. In this role, Dr. Carter investigates how science is used in the policy-making process, focusing on issues of scientific integrity across the federal government. See Jacob's full bio.

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Christopher Michel/CC BY 2.0 (Flickr)

Another Attack on Endangered Species Escalates Need for New Legislation

December 17, 2019 2:12 PM EDT

The Trump administration is no stranger to attacking protections for endangered species, the implementation of the process by which endangered species are afforded protections by the federal government, the science underpinning that process, or the piece of legislation that spells all of these processes out and has resounding bipartisan support (i.e., the Endangered Species Act). And there are lots of endangered species at risk of losing their much-needed protections such as the American burying beetle, Chinook salmon, and (still) the polar bear. This is all happening as scientists continue to provide evidence that Earth is currently experiencing a sixth major extinction event. Read more >

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Original work by Laurel Raymond

Introducing Federal Scientist (now under the Trump administration) Barbie™!

November 27, 2019 12:51 PM EDT

For 60 years, Barbie has inspired children of all ages to grow up and become whatever they want to be: an astronaut, a journalist, or even a mechanic! Now there’s a barbie to inspire the next generation of scientists who want to work in the government and attempt to make a difference in the world. Introducing federal scientist Barbie! Read more >

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The endangered Houston toad. US Fish and Wildlife Service

New Analysis Shows Government Lacks Plans to Save Endangered Species from Climate Change

November 18, 2019 11:03 AM EDT

Today, a new analysis published in Nature Climate Change shows that the US government doesn’t have many plans to conserve hundreds of endangered species that are at-risk of being affected by climate change. The analysis finds that 99.8% of the 459 US animals listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) are at risk of having their populations further decrease under a changing climate. However, the two agencies in charge of managing conservation of these species, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), have plans to manage the effects of climate change for only 18% of them. Read more >

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House boats lie near Interstate 5 and industrial facilities in the Columbia Slough of Portland, Oregon. This picture was taken in the 1970's, but the community has been plagued with pollution since the early 20th century. David Falconer/EPA

Congress Lifts Voices of Communities Affected by Trump Administration’s Attacks on Science

October 30, 2019 8:48 AM EDT

On October 30th, the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force and House Natural Resources Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-3) will host a briefing that will lift the voices of underserved communities who have long been affected by the government’s sidelining of science. We will hear stories of how underserved communities have dealt with air and water pollution, been left out of decision-making processes, or have wondered how they will live day-to-day as the government sidelines science and undermines programs specifically intended to provide support to communities harmed first and worst. Read more >

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Steven R. Doty/US Air Force

Trump Administration Thwarts Consumer Watchdog’s Investigation on Student Loan Forgiveness Program

October 15, 2019 5:54 PM EDT

People suppress the collection of information and data when they are afraid of the results. The Trump administration is no stranger to using this strategy, as we’ve documented time and time again. So, it’s not a surprise that the Department of Education (DOE) ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to stop collecting information in its investigation of how student loan call centers handle information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Read more >

Steven R. Doty/US Air Force
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