Andrew A. Rosenberg to Lead New Center for Science and Democracy

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has announced that  Andrew Rosenberg is joining the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) to serve as director of its new Center for Science and Democracy.  Rosenberg previously "served as the Northeast regional administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service," and later as NMFS's deputy director. He is also the convening lead author of the oceans chapter of the U.S. Climate Impacts Advisory Panel. Most recently he was at Conservation International, where he was the senior vice-president for Science and Knowledge.

 The goal of the new Center for Science and Democracy is to restore" the essential role of science, evidence-based knowledge, and constructive debate in the U.S. policymaking process, using three core strategies:"

• Restoring public confidence in, and support for, the use of independent science in public policy making;
• Helping decision makers, citizens and journalists distinguish evidence-based information from propaganda;
• Working with scientists to help them become more effective communicators and policy contributors.

More information on the new Center for Science and Democracy can be found here.

Information on the other activities of the Union of Concerned Scientists can be found here.

Department of Interior issues policy on scientific integrity

The US Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Ken Salazar, has finally issued a new policy to ensure scientific integrity.  According to the "Secretary's Order," the policy is designed to "guide and ensure the integrity of science and scientific products developed and used by the [DOI] in decision making and in the creation of policy related to the conservation and responsible development of our Nation's natural resources, protecting our heritage, and honoring native cultures and tribal communities."

The policy is in line with President Obama's call last year for all agencies and departments to establish a means by which they could ensure scientific integrity.  One of the main rationales for calling for policies was the numerous accusations of suppression or manipulation of scientific data in previous administrations, most notably those regarding protection of endangered species and climate change.

While the Union of Concerned Scientists praises the DOI policy as "a great first step," the watchdog organization OMB Watch suggests it doesn't go far enough.  As the representative from UCS says,

“While this is a great framework, the real work begins now. Without specifics and a timeline, these principles will end up as just another good idea. There are many details the plan must address, including deadlines for releasing information and disclosing meetings with special interests. Interior must move quickly to put flesh on these bones."