The government will be directly, massively guiding the direction of the economy. It is therefore imperative that we get this right. 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
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As Congress Debates an Economic Stimulus, Where Should the Money Be Spent?
Ken Kimmell, president
March 24, 2020 12:33 PM EDT
Big UCS Win! Court Questions EPA Limits on Science Advisory Committees
Michael Halpern, Deputy director, Center for Science & Democracy
March 23, 2020 5:43 PM EDT
Now, for some good news: the First Circuit Court of Appeals today ruled that UCS’s lawsuit challenging the politicization of EPA science advisory committees may move forward. UCS sued the agency over a new directive that prohibits EPA grant-funded scientists from serving on these committees. Read more >
A Thank You to FOIA Officers: Purveyors of Sunshine
Genna Reed, Lead science and policy analyst
March 20, 2020 2:27 PM EDT
This sunshine week I would like to express my appreciation for all of the work that Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officers at federal agencies have done and continue to do to ensure public access to government communications, records, and documents. Read more >
Photo: Pete Markham/Flickr
With the Public Distracted, Interior Department Moves Full Speed Ahead on Oil and Gas Leases
Maria Caffrey, Climate scientist
March 20, 2020 1:26 PM EDT
Interior Secretary Bernhardt and his staff are using the pandemic crisis as an excuse to sideline science, shut down advisory committees, and sell off oil and gas leases at discount prices without sufficient environmental review. Here’s what they should be doing instead. Read more >
EPA
EPA Proposes Broad Science Restrictions in Midst of Coronavirus Pandemic
Michael Halpern, Deputy director, Center for Science & Democracy
March 18, 2020 11:36 AM EDT
The Environmental Protection Agency moved today to restrict the types of research that can be used in public health protection decisions and scientific assessments. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the agency is recklessly giving the public just 30 days to comment on this sweeping proposal. UCS developed a guide to assist you in making a public comment, and if you are able to do so, you should.
