| December 19, 2008 |  |
John Holdren Could Strengthen Federal Science
Appointments Could Become Science Dream Team
WASHINGTON (December 19, 2008) — President-elect Barack Obama's expected choice of Dr. John Holdren as White House science adviser is another strong indication that Obama will fulfill a pledge to ensure science informs policymaking on issues ranging from global warming to arms control, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Obama is expected to announce that he has selected the Harvard University physicist tomorrow.
"John Holdren has been one of the most well-respected and prominent scientific voices urging the federal government to address global warming," said Kevin Knobloch, president of UCS. "He was chairman of the American Association for the Advancement of Science board when it issued its first statement, in 2007, calling for immediate action on climate change.
"Holdren's appointment will be a stark contrast to what we've seen over the last eight years," Knobloch continued. "He is knowledgeable about the greatest threats facing our nation and the world—global warming, energy insecurity, and nuclear weapons proliferation—and has deep expertise in both science and public policy."
UCS, which has rallied scientists across the country to denounce the Bush administration's politicization of science, said Holdren's appointment, like that of Steven Chu as secretary of energy and Jane Lubchenco as head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, signifies a dramatic shift in the federal government's willingness to factor in the best available science in the decisionmaking process.
"John Holdren, Jane Lubchenco and Steven Chu are, by any measure, a science dream team for the new administration," said Peter Frumhoff, UCS director of science and policy. "They all are among the top in their fields and understand the critical role that science must play in informing policy decisions."
Over the last few years UCS has surveyed scientists at nine federal agencies. A significant percentage reported that the Bush administration has routinely manipulated, distorted and suppressed scientific information when it did not support the administration's point of view.
"As one of the first scientists who sounded the alarm about the Bush administration's political interference in science, John Holdren should be committed to fulfilling President-elect Obama's pledge to restore scientific integrity in federal decisionmaking," said Francesca Grifo, director of the Scientitific Integrity Program at UCS. "This is not a simple task. His first order of business is to investigate the damage that has been done at federal science agencies. He then must push for reforms that improve the federal government's conduct and communication of science."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
