Tornado Alley (PROG)

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Trump orders all agencies to cut scientific advisory boards by 'at least' one third

On Friday evening, Donald Trump issued an executive order directing all federal agencies to evaluate and reduce scientific advisory committees by at least a third. This order comes after some agencies, including the EPA and Interior Department, have already completely eliminated some advisory boards and replaced others with groups of industry lobbyists. Under Trump, agencies have also forced scientists out of advisory boards by putting in rules that those who sit on such boards cannot apply for federal research grants, opening up spots for corporate “experts” to replace academics.

The new rule will mean one third less scientific advice on drug trials by the FDA. One third less scientific advice on handling nuclear waste at the Energy Department. One third less advice on food safety, product safety, health care, and of course, climate change. It will also mean one third less advice on handling pollution and pesticides, but then the Trump EPA has already demonstrated that it can easily ignore even unanimous advice from advisers.

As The Hill reports, this Friday night, no signing ceremony executive order came after scientists keep irritating Trump. For example, one scientific review board suggested revisiting Trump’s decision to roll back emissions standards on automobiles. And more than one board has opposed the regulations put in place under Trump that throw out almost all public health data when evaluating the impact of products or environmental action.

The advisory boards that made those recommendations are on the chopping block thanks to this new executive order.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/6/15/1865039/-Trump-orders-all-agencies-to-cut-scientific-advisory-boards-by-at-least-one-third