science advice


Members of the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, in a December 2010 photo. USDA photo

Improving Transparency and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest for Science Advisory Committees

, director, Center for Science & Democracy

May 13, 2019 2:43 PM EDT

On Wednesday this week, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs will hold a mark-up hearing in the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2019 introduced by Sen. Portman (R-OH). And before you stop reading, yes this is a science issue. The proposed amendments are intended to improve the transparency of the federal advisory committee process, including science advisory committees of scientists from outside government, and to disclose and reduce the impacts of conflicts of interest on those committees. Read more >

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As Congress Revives its Oversight Responsibilities, Science Should Be on the Agenda

, Deputy director, Center for Science & Democracy

November 15, 2018 9:59 AM EDT

The midterms brought checks and balances to Washington, complete with new opportunities for accountability and oversight, and some members of Congress have already signaled that science will be on the agenda. Today, a diverse set of environmental, public health, and good government organizations released a report outlining what Congress can do to address recent actions that sideline science from policymaking. Read more >

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Can the EPA Protect Us from Ozone and Particulate Pollution Without Its Experts? What to Watch

, Research Director, Center for Science and Democracy

November 9, 2018 9:00 AM EDT

This week, the EPA announced that its Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) alone would be reviewing upcoming ozone and particulate matter reviews. On October 10, the EPA nixed its ozone and particulate matter review panels—breaking with EPA’s use of expert science advisers for ambient air quality decisions since the 1970s and consistent with this administration’s trend of abandoning science advice. Read more >

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The Senate Will Accelerate Kelvin Droegemeier’s White House Science Advisor Nomination. That’s a Good Thing.

, Deputy director, Center for Science & Democracy

August 17, 2018 9:43 AM EDT

Try not to breathe too easily, but the Senate is in fast drive mode to consider the nomination of Kelvin Droegemeier to lead the White House Office and Science and Technology Policy. And well it should. These days, this is one nomination we should all be excited about, as this Superman of science policy is sorely needed in the White House.

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Americans Deserve Better than the Heartland Institute’s Climate “Experts”

, Research Director, Center for Science and Democracy

June 6, 2017 11:32 AM EDT

Who did President Trump invite to his Paris Climate Agreement announcement? A cadre of industry-tied lobbyists and others who have peddled climate disinformation for years. Read more >

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