Science for the Public Good: An Open Letter to the 119th Congress
I am asking you to defend the science and scientists that keep Americans safe. The Trump administration's current agenda promises to eviscerate the protections that Americans count on and support: clean air and water; safe food and medicine; products that won't harm us; and protection from extreme weather and other damaging effects of climate change. Without strong federal science, people will suffer, and historically marginalized communities will continue to bear the burden of these harms.
Independent science can inform strong public policy that puts the health, safety and welfare of Americans first. Protecting rigorous and independent science is a common-sense, nonpartisan goal.
The reason behind the Trump administration's radical proposals to sideline science and scientists is crystal clear: science stands in the way of polluters and special interests unleashing unprecedented amounts of pollution that would put short-term profits over people, no matter the cost to current and future generations of Americans.
The first 100 days of the Trump administration will be absolutely essential for taking action that can save science that saves lives. Science supporters in your district and state are mobilizing to fight back and prevent the politicization of science and firing of scientists who help protect our families and communities.
As a constituent and supporter of the Union of Concerned Scientists, I am asking for you to take the First 100 Days Pledge for Science:
- First, advocate for efforts at any federal agency to follow and/or implement a scientific integrity policy in their agency.
- Second, oppose the elimination of federal agencies or their staff directly or indirectly including through draconian budget cuts, reclassifying staff, or abruptly moving agency headquarters, all of which are a transparent and explicit effort to decimate scientific expertise and decision-making.
- Third, defend the safeguards that protect the health and safety of people across the United States, especially those overburdened by pollution. This includes the nation's bedrock public health and environmental laws—such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act—that are and must continue to be based on the best available independent science.
This is a critical time to show the administration that members of Congress of both parties are united in championing the science that helps protect the communities they represent. I am asking for your support.