Scientists & Engineers for America Action Fund

Action Alert: Tell Dept of Agriculture to Save the Bees!

The Natural Resources Defense Council has issued and action alert to tell the Department of Agriculture to do something about the rapidly vanishing bee population. From the NRDC:

Bees are a critical agricultural resource that help produce $15 billion worth of crops in the United States each year. The recent unexplained mass disappearance of honey bees, called colony collapse disorder, poses a significant threat to honey bees, beekeepers, farmers and our food supply. Most bee experts believe bees could be falling sick due to a combination of factors, including pesticide exposure, invasive parasitic mites, an inadequate food supply and a new virus that targets bees’ immune systems.

Last year Congress recognized colony collapse disorder as a threat and granted the Department of Agriculture emergency funds to study the problem. In addition, the department receives $20 million each year for honey bee research, pest and pathogen surveillance, and other bee-related programs. But to date, the agency has been unable to fully account for how these funds are being used or show any significant results from its work.

What to do
Urge the Department of Agriculture to fulfill its commitment to fight colony collapse disorder.
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4 more candidates answer scientists questions

SEA just told me that 4 more candidates for congress have answered the 7 questions posed by scientists. This would not have happened if it were not for you writing in and telling your candidate that these issues are important. Keep up the great work and if you have not written to them, it only takes a few minutes. Just go to the SHARP Network. Here are the latest answers:

Roy Carter (D NC 5)

Steven Perry (D OK 5)

Frankie Robbins (D OK 3)

Scott Starin (R CO 2)

Today’s Science Policy News for August, 19th 2008

A look at today’s science and health policy news:

Pump primed for fall fight on energy

Politico–There’s a little something for everyone to hate in the energy proposals Speaker Nancy Pelosi articulated over the weekend.

Endangered Process

Washington Post–In May, the Bush administration reluctantly listed the polar bear as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The facts left it with little choice: the bear’s Arctic Sea ice habitat is melting because of global warming. But the administration wasn’t happy, because the Endangered Species Act was never intended to be an instrument for coping with climate change.

Anti-Regulation Aide to Cheney Is Up for Energy Post

Washington Post–A senior aide to Vice President Cheney is the leading contender to become a top official at the Energy Department according to several current and former administration officials, a promotion that would put one of the administration’s most ardent opponents of environmental regulation in charge of forming department policies on climate change.

We must do more to encourage girls to pursue science careers

Mercury News–A recent study in the journal Science showcased some very promising results: Girls are measuring up to boys in math from grades two through 11. Yet there is clearly room for growth in the number of young women exploring technology and science as career paths.

AIDS Researchers Shift Focus to Long Haul

NY Times–Two years have passed since the 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto, and the contrast between that meeting and the 17th, which ended here this month, was humbling. No major breakthroughs were announced, and cutting-edge research findings were rare.

Boehner: Madam Speaker…Please stand up for energy

Washington Times (Opinion)–Rep. Boehner on House Republican’s energy push.

Coal’s toxic legacy to the Arctic

BBC News–Coal burning in western Europe and North America has been a prime source of heavy metal pollution in the Arctic.

Stuck down here: NASA needs its own launch capability during the next 10 years

Houston Chronicle (Opinion)–Among the many entities and activities placed in jeopardy by the incursion of Russian troops into Georgia is U.S.-Russian space exploration.

Tougher Laws Needed to Protect Your Genetic Privacy

Scientific American–Genetic testing will expand quickly and soon, adding highly targeted data to people’s medical records. As those records go electronic, outsiders will find it increasingly easy to peruse an individual’s health information.

Space policy heats up this summer

Space Review–In the relatively tiny niche of space policy, on the other hand, the last couple of weeks have been as active as any time in recent memory. There has been a flurry of activity from both Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain since the beginning of August.

FCC plans public awareness blitz about digital TV transition

Government Computing News–The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced a six-month digital TV public awareness marathon that will take commissioners to 80 communities across the country before the Feb. 17, 2009, deadline for ending analog TV broadcasts.

Advocate for Science Diplomacy

NY Times–An interview with Dr. Nina V. Fedoroff, a member of the National Academy of Sciences and science adviser to the secretary of state and administrator of the Agency for International Development.

Don’t know much about math

Washington Times (Opinion)–Editorial on the need for increased math literacy for teachers.

Debate rages over free wireless spectrum

CNET News–The debate over new unlicensed spectrum the Federal Communications Commission is considering opening up is heating.

Annual Creationism Conference Takes “Scientific” Approach

Discover Magazine (Opinion)–Earlier this month, the Sixth International Conference on Creationism took place in Pittsburgh.

Google Plans Big Presence at Summer Political Conventions

Wired Blog–As Google showcases how politicos use its tools, they also prepare for a large presence at both presidential nominating conventions.

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Today’s Science Policy News for August, 18th 2008

A look at today’s science and health policy news:

Obama meets oilman who funded ‘04 attacks on Kerry

Reuters–White House hopeful Barack Obama talked energy policy on Sunday with T. Boone Pickens, a billionaire oil investor who funded the “Swift Boat” attacks on Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry in 2004.

McCain’s health insurance plan: More radical than Democrats’?

Dallas Morning News– Democratic health care proposals may have gotten more attention during the primaries, but Republican John McCain’s plan just might be more revolutionary.

Evolving Obama now supports $2 billion more for NASA

Houston Chronicle–In contrast to his earlier views on space exploration, Democrat Barack Obama also says he backs one more shuttle mission before it is retired.

House to Rethink Drilling, Pelosi Says

N.Y. Times–Dropping her opposition to a vote on coastal oil exploration, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Saturday that the House would consider expanded offshore drilling as part of broad energy legislation when Congress returns next month.

Russia-Georgia conflict could affect NASA funding

Houston Chronicle–Russia’s military campaign in Georgia could have repercussions far beyond its borders, jeopardizing the U.S.-Russian partnership for manning the international space station over the next decade.

Renewable Power’s Growth in Colorado Presages National Debate

Washington Post–When Colorado voters were deciding whether to require that 10 percent of the state’s electricity come from renewable fuels, the state’s largest utility fought the proposal, warning that any shift from coal and natural gas would be costly, uncertain and unwise.

Smith discusses energy issues

Lexington Clipper-Herald–On Monday, Rep. Adrian Smith shared his thoughts on current energy policy and politics and presenting some possible solutions to the pain Americans are feeling at the gas pump.

Md. to Join Others in Alternative Power Deal

Washington Post–Gov. Martin O’Malley announced a long-term commitment to buy wind power and other renewable energy, as he laid out an aggressive plan to overhaul the state’s electricity system.

In Rural New York, Windmills Can Bring Whiff of Corruption

N.Y. Times–The wind industry has arrived in force in upstate New York, but some residents say they have brought an epidemic of corruption and intimidation, as they rush to acquire enough land to make the wind farms a reality.

Dear 44: Science vs. technology

Politico–An open letter to the next President from Daniel Weiss, the director of climate strategy at the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

Gridlock in the Forecast

Washington Post–An editorial on the jerrymandering of Congressional districts and the need for redistricting reform.

Clearer Rules, Cleaner Waters

N.Y. Times–An editorial on the Clean Water Restoration Act — a bill that would reaffirm the broad federal protections that it intended more than 30 years ago.

Officials Say Flaws at Polls Will Remain in November

N.Y. Times–Flaws in voting machines used by millions of people will not be fixed in time for the presidential election because of a government backlog in testing the machines’ hardware and software, officials say.

Pacific Gas deal will nearly double USA’s solar power

USA Today–Electric utilities are warming to solar power in a shift that promises to turbocharge a technology that has been hindered by high prices and slow consumer adoption.

Chemical Used in Plastic Bottles Is Safe, F.D.A. Says

N.Y. Times (A.P.)–Despite safety concerns of parents, consumer groups and politicians, a chemical used in baby bottles, canned food and other items is not dangerous, federal regulators said Friday.

How Loss of Privacy May Mean Loss of Security

Scientific American–Privacy is a public Rorschach test: say the word aloud, and you can start any number of passionate discussions.

Fare’s fair for hackers?

Nature–Researchers warn of ‘devastating effect’ of computer-science gagging order.

Bacteria played a role in 1918 pandemic flu deaths, scientists say

L.A. Times–The virus triggered a violent immune response that injured the lungs, making them a target for bacterial infection, two studies say. The findings may guide preparations for future outbreaks.

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Today’s Science Policy News for August, 15th 2008

A look at today’s science and health policy news:

McCain Tech Plan to Continue

WSJ–Under fire for being a technophobe, John McCain will unveil a technology agenda that bundles previously announced pro-business proposals with continued support for a hands-off approach to regulation.

Discord With Russia a Worry for NASA

Washington Post–NASA’s ability to send its astronauts to the $100 billion international space station is in danger of becoming a costly casualty of the Russia-Georgia war.

GOP debates energy in silent House

Des Moines Register–The C-SPAN cameras are turned off, the mikes are dead and the lights are turned low in the U.S. House chamber here, with Congress adjourned for a five-week summer recess.

EPA’s online tool promotes self-disclosure

FCW.com–Several state facilities regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency can now report environmental violations though a new system on the agency’s Web site.

Two Large Solar Plants Planned in California

N.Y. Times–Companies will build two solar power plants in California that together will put out more than 12 times as much electricity as the largest such plant today, the latest indication that solar energy is starting to achieve significant scale.

Medicare Bears Brunt of States’ Budget Crunch

Christian Science Monitor–Facing budget deficits, two of the nation’s most populous states, California and New York, are proposing changes in Medicaid that could affect the eligibility of hundreds of thousands of people.

Medicare drug premiums up about 12%

USA Today–The typical Medicare beneficiary can expect to see about a $3 increase in their monthly premiums for prescription drug coverage in 2009, federal officials said Thursday.

US scientists find stone age burial ground in Sahara

A.F.P.–A US-led team of archaeologists said Thursday they had discovered by chance what is believed to be the largest find of Stone Age-era remains ever uncovered in the Sahara Desert.

Plug-In Hybrid From G.M. Is Nearly Ready for Testing

N.Y. Times–General Motors said Thursday that it had “essentially finished” designing its first plug-in hybrid car, the Chevrolet Volt, and would have production-ready prototypes within 10 days.

Los Angeles doubles fines for residents who waste water

L.A. Times–Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signs an ordinance that addresses repeated violations of the city’s ‘drought buster’ rules and puts limits on residential outdoor watering.

Worrying invasive snail found in Lake Michigan

A.P.–Scientists worry that a rapidly reproducing, tiny invasive snail recently found in Lake Michigan could hurt the lake’s ecosystem.

Anthrax scientist Bruce Ivins slipped under the radar because of FBI obsession

L.A. Times–Records show agents overlooked a series of early clues pointing to Ivins as the source of the 2001 deadly anthrax mailings and that the investigation remained locked on a former Army researcher.

More women choosing careers in forensic science

A.P.–An Associated Press review of accredited forensic science programs in the United States found about 75 percent of graduates are women, an increase from about 64 percent in 2000.

Ocean dead zones become a worldwide problem

A.P.–Like a chronic disease spreading through the body, “dead zones” with too little oxygen for life are expanding in the world’s oceans.

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Pesticides, Salmon, and Endangered Species Consultation

From our friends at the Pump Handle

In today’s Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Robert McClure highlights a case involving a consultation under the Endangered Species Act – the very aspect of the ESA that the Bush Administration wants to slash.

EPA has approved three pesticides – chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion – for use in areas where they will affect several species of salmon that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. A coalition of fishing and environmental groups filed a lawsuit, and U.S. District Judge John Coughenour ordered the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct a study on the pesticides’ effect on the fish. McClure describes what they found:

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3 more Congressmen answer questions on science

SEA just sent me the latest batch of answers to the 7 questions on science. Keep up the great work. Hundreds of you have sent letters to your candidates and the response has been awesome.

Rep. Michael Honda (D CA 15)

Rep. Todd Platts (R PA 19)

Rep Anna Eshoo (D CA 14)

Today’s Science Policy News for August, 14th 2008

A look at today’s science and health policy news:

Pelosi joins Democrats softening their stance against offshore drilling

LA Times–Responding to high gas prices, House Speaker Pelosi is considering legislation to allow more drilling, in addition to proposes such as repealing Big Oil tax breaks.

Space Race is on; Obama staff in Florida, McCain has new policy

Orlando Sentinel–About two dozen aerospace industry executives and NASA contractors met Tuesday with Obama’s Florida policy director, to share their concerns about the retirement of the space shuttle and outline what space policy they wanted from the next administration. McCain also recently updated the space policy section of his website.

McConnell: No new energy taxes

Politico– House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suggested earlier this week that she might allow a vote on legislation to open some areas for offshore oil and gas exploration, and now Republicans are warning the speaker that that package better not include any provisions to raise taxes. Of course, moving the bar is typically a sign of progress.

Feds: Common pesticides jeopardize salmon survival

AP–Three pesticides commonly used on farms and orchards throughout the West are jeopardizing the survival of Pacific salmon, the federal agency in charge of saving the fish from extinction has found.

Power Failure

Washington Post–The Bush administration is not known for undying concern for the environment in general or clean air in particular. That’s why it was a stunning setback when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia last month struck down the administration’s single boldest move in favor of clean air: a regulation from its Environmental Protection Agency that sought to clean up the air from power plants.

Underground FEMA fuel tanks could leak

AP–The government owns hundreds of underground fuel tanks — many designed for emergencies back in the Cold War — that need to be inspected for leaks of hazardous substances that could make local water undrinkable.

FDA further tightens conflict of interest policies

Nature News–The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is introducing guidelines to reduce potential conflicts of interest among members of its advisory committees.

Congress to Push Web Privacy

BusinessWeek–Support for a law aimed at protecting consumers’ online privacy is gathering steam in Washington.

Ruling Is a Victory for Supporters of Free Software

NY Times–In a ruling Wednesday, the federal appeals court in Washington said that just because a software programmer gave his work away did not mean it could not be protected.

Judge says UC can deny religious course credit

San Francisco Chronicle–A federal judge says the University of California can deny course credit to applicants from Christian high schools whose textbooks declare the Bible infallible and reject evolution.

Weakening U.S. Economy Takes Its Toll On Americans’ Health

Medical News Today–To save money, many Americans are cutting back on medical care — potentially putting their health at risk — according to new research from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Pentagon puts hold on USAF cyber effort

AP–The Pentagon this week delayed and may kill the Air Force’s nascent Cyberspace Command, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. This comes as Russia used a major computer network attack to begin its assault on Georgia.

Endangered Species: In More Danger

TIME–The White House on Aug. 11 proposed a sweeping regulatory overhaul of the ESA, virtually eliminating the independent scientific evaluation of the environmental impact of federal actions.

Study shows US. broadband speeds continue to lag

CNet News–The average download and upload speeds for broadband services across the U.S. have remained relatively unchanged over the past year as the U.S. continues to lag behind other countries in terms of broadband speeds, according to a report published by the Communications Workers of America labor union.

Clock Ticking on FCC’s Free Wireless Broadband Plan

eWeek–The deadline is nearing for a possible FCC proposal to require the winner of its spectrum auction to offer a free broadband network supported by advertising.

A task of terawatts

Nature (Opinion)–The world has an abundance of renewable energy to offer, the question is how to harness it.

Our view on atomic power: As energy demands grow, nuclear deserves new look

USA Today (Opinion)–The safety and security risks seem less ominous and more manageable than opponents of nuclear power make them out to be.

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McCain vs. Obama on science funding

NPR did the first of what I can only presume will be many pieces in the media outlining the differences between McCain and Obama on science policy. While neither candidate has answered the 14 questions posed by scientists, there are already some stark differences…like science funding.

From Melody Barnes, senior domestic policy adviser to the Obama campaign:

“Senator Obama believes that we have to double scientific research funding, so that we can take advantage of the enormous talent in the United States, and we can regain our global competitive edge.”

From Douglas Holtz-Eakin with McCain campaign:

“Doubling is a nice fun number for political purposes. It’s clean, it’s smooth. But it doesn’t reflect a balancing of political priorities. There will be competing demands for funds. These are scarce taxpayer dollars; they come from American families who work hard to generate them. And good scientists should make the case for their research money, and the senator will be happy to listen to that case and fund appropriately. But to promise everybody everything is not really laying it on the line.”

In other words, McCain’s promise to freeze domestic spending includes flat funding science. That is as stark a contrast as any of us have seen between Obama and McCain on science funding and it is a whopper. McCain is already struggling to distance himself from the policies of the Bush administration, but a wimpy stance on science funding will do little to convince Americans that he will be able to push the US through difficult economic times by investing in science and technology, which are widely seen as key to longterm economic growth and competitiveness. I sincerely hope that the McCain campaign answers the 14 questions, but also hope that they reconsider their commitment to American science.

Bush to Environmentalists: “Endanger is my middle name”

From our friends at OhMyGov!

The Associated Press reports that the Bush Administration plans to bypass Congress and gut the Endangered Species Act (ESA) much in the same way a predator may gut an actual endangered creature.

Currently, federal agencies wishing to go forward with construction and development projects must submit to independent reviews by scientists, in order to make sure they would not be violating the ESA.  However, a draft of new rules would only require agencies to review their own case and decide for themselves if their proposed action would damage endangered wildlife or their habitats.

Previous attempts to implement similar deregulation have failed to survive the Senate (in 2005) and courts (in 2003).  Imagine the Bush Administration as the child who asks his mother for permission and is denied, who then asks father (pretending he has not yet been told ‘No’) and is turned down, and finally does whatever he wanted to do anyway.

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