As Trump administration reviews draft climate science report, Markey joined at press conference by organizations calling for no politically-motivated attacks on scientists, scientific research
Boston (August 9, 2017) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to ensure that there is no politically-motived suppression of or interference with any science or scientific conclusions included in the Draft U.S. Global Research Program Climate Science Special Report, which the Trump administration is in the process of reviewing. The New York Times published a story yesterday about the scientists who feared their work on the Congressionally-mandated Draft U.S. Global Research Program Climate Science Special Report would be suppressed by the Trump administration.
At a press conference held today in Boston with the Union of Concerned Scientists and Environment Massachusetts, Senator Markey, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and co-Chair of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, noted how important it is that policymakers and the American people understand the current and future impacts of climate change. Senator Markey highlighted several recent instances in President Trump’s transition and administration of potential scientific interference or suppression that raise concerns about the degree of his administration’s commitment to scientific integrity in the best interests of the American people.
“There have already been troubling instances in your transition and administration of potential scientific interference or suppression,” writes Senator Markey in his letter to President Trump. “We must ensure that our federal agencies do not stifle the science of climate change or the scientists who are working on it. I urge you to ensure that there is no interference or suppression of science as your administration finalizes this Congressionally-mandated report on climate change.”
A copy of Senator Markey’s letter can be found HERE.
“Every day, the evidence is getting clearer that climate change is a real and pressing crisis--not just for future generations, but today,” said Ken Kimmell, President, Union of Concerned Scientists. “Unfortunately, it's also increasingly clear that the Trump administration has a hostile attitude toward science and the researchers who we rely on to help us address critical issues like climate change. If we want to protect Americans from threats to their health and safety, we need to stand up for science and protect it from political interference.”
“The Trump administration may deny it, but people in Massachusetts know our climate is changing,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director, Environment Massachusetts. “With sea levels rising, temperatures increasing, and our communities threatened by extreme weather, we can't waste any time. The public is demanding action to move our nation away from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy as quickly as possible.”
