During the past two years, the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics (PRIS) has faced a series of threats that have undermined its autonomy, credibility, and reputation. Read more >
Science and Democracy
The partnership between science and democracy has played a huge role in U.S. history. But misinformation and attacks on science have strained that partnership. UCS science and democracy experts keep you informed on the latest developments, from Capitol Hill to local communities.
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Latest Science and Democracy Posts
The Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics Continues to Weaken
Carlos M. De Leon-Rodriguez, UCS Science Network, UCS
March 18, 2019 3:50 PM EDT
The president’s budget signals a clear antipathy towards action on climate change, with a host of cuts to climate research, adaptation, and even energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Trump’s Proposed 2020 Budget Takes Aim at Science (Again)
Kathleen Rest, executive director
March 14, 2019 3:25 PM EDT
Even a quick and high-level look at the budget proposal demonstrates that the Trump administration is out of touch with the American people. The proposed cuts to science are shockingly short-sighted and would have long-term implications for our nation’s scientific enterprise. Read more >
The Scientific Integrity Act is Good for Science and Good for Government
Michael Halpern, Deputy director, Center for Science & Democracy
March 13, 2019 4:15 PM EDT
Today, Senator Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Tonko (D-NY) introduced the Scientific Integrity Act, legislation that would give scientists who work for government agencies the right to share their research with the public, ensure that government communication of science is accurate, and protect science in policy decisions from political interference. The bill empowers federal scientists to share their personal opinions as informed experts. And the bill prohibits any employee from censoring or manipulating scientific findings. Anyone reading this post should reach out to their representative and senators to urge co-sponsorship of this important bill. Read more >
Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Bury the Science, Then Claim It Doesn’t Exist: Interior Department Undermines Arctic Drilling Review
Joel Clement, Senior Fellow
March 13, 2019 1:55 PM EDT
Documents released this this week indicate that the Interior Department failed to consider internal memos from staff scientists raising scientific and environmental concerns about proposed oil and gas operations in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. These were not minor concerns; the memos described significant data gaps for understanding the area’s habitat. Read more >
A Comment Guide for Fighting the EPA’s Attacks on Mercury Standards and Cost-Benefit Analysis
March 14, 2019 2:38 PM EDT
EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler has issued a pernicious proposal to undermine a crucial clean air rule, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for coal-fired power plants. More insidiously, the proposal attacks long-standing legal, economic and regulatory precedent on cost-benefit analysis—and as a result could have far-reaching consequences for many other public health protections. Read more >