Text SizeA A A

Will the White House Let Politics Trump Science Again?

In his American Jobs Act speech on Thursday, September 8, President Obama said:

“But what we can't do—what I won't do—is let this economic crisis be used as an excuse to wipe out the basic protections that Americans have counted on for decades. I reject the idea that we need to ask people to choose between their jobs and their safety.”

Let’s ask him to live up to that pledge. Post a message on the White House Facebook Page today.

Last Friday, President Obama went back on his promise to set a science-based pollution control standard for ground-level ozone—a primary component of smog that’s linked to serious lung diseases like asthma and will only get worse as temperatures rise in a warmer world.

The president’s decision undermines the Clean Air Act, which requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set the standard based on science. And it’s clear that the EPA tried to do its job, but the president intervened. As a result, Americans are more at risk for asthma, lung damage, and even death from ozone pollution.

Will this be an isolated incident? The EPA is currently crafting science-based rules to reduce other health threats such as toxic mercury and global warming emissions. In these cases, will the president let politics trump public health again?

Take Action Today

Simply go to the White House Facebook Page and post the link http://ucsusa.org/ozonedecision and this image and a short message will load. Then you can add your own personal message expressing your disappointment and urging the president not to let science take a back seat at the White House.

If you don't already "Like" the White House page, you may need to do this first before posting, but you are free to "Unlike" the page as soon as you've posted your message.

The polluting industries are claiming victory and have set their sights on bringing down other public health protections. It’s time for us to draw a line in the sand. By posting this image on the White House Facebook page, you’ll make a public statement to both the White House and your friends and family that the president should allow the EPA to use science to protect the public’s health.

After you send your message, be sure to spread the word:

	Will the @whitehouse let politics trump #science again? http://j.mp/oryTvq
	Update your Facebook status and urge your friends to send a message as well.