On 11 June, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal to repeal federal limits on power plant carbon emissions, including a Biden-era rule requiring power plants to control 90% of their carbon pollution and a 2015 standard limiting carbon dioxide emissions from new fossil fuel-fired power plants.
science policy
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Former Department of Energy Leader Reflects on a Changing Landscape
The first person of color and first Earth scientist to serve as director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Science reflects on her career as the new administration works to dismantle key diversity programs.
Posted inResearch & Developments
Trump Withdraws Nomination for NASA Administrator
In a move that worried politicians and space scientists alike, President Trump announced on 31 May that he will withdraw his nomination of Jared Isaacman for the position of NASA administration.
Posted inResearch & Developments
Supreme Court Rejects Tribal Appeal to Halt Planned Copper Mine
On 27 May, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear arguments from a group of Apache leaders challenging a copper mine that would damage land that tribe members consider sacred, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Posted inResearch & Developments
House Passes Megabill Slashing Environmental Protections
Early on 22 May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a massive GOP-backed bill that seeks to push forward President Trump’s domestic policy agenda. Within the bill’s 1082 pages are sweeping repeals of regulations that defend the environment, mitigate climate change, and protect public health.
Posted inResearch & Developments
Government Will Reduce Access to COVID-19 Vaccine
Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that only adults older than 65 and people with specific medical conditions will be considered eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations this fall.
Posted inResearch & Developments
EPA to Rescind Rules on Four Forever Chemicals
The EPA plans to reconsider drinking water limits for four different PFAS chemicals and extend deadlines for public water systems to comply, according to The Washington Post.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that are widely used for their water- and stain-resistant properties. Exposure to PFAS is linked to higher risks of certain cancers, reproductive health issues, developmental delays and immune system problems. The so-called “forever chemicals” are ubiquitous in the environment and widely contaminate drinking water.
Posted inResearch & Developments
Trump Blocks Funding for EPA Science Division
The Trump administration has blocked funding for the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), the agency’s main science division.
Posted inResearch & Developments
NSF Plans to Abolish Divisions
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) plans to abolish dozens of divisions across all eight of its directorates and reduce the number of programs within those divisions, according to Science.
A spokesperson for NSF told Science that the reason behind the decision was to “reduce the number of SES [senior executive service] positions in the agency and create new non-executive positions to better align with the needs of the agency.”
Posted inOpinions
Senior Scientists Must Stand Up Against Attacks on Research and Education
They can use their position and collective power to influence institutional actions and mobilize to support more vulnerable colleagues.