Union Of Concerned Scientists Blasts Trump For ‘Abysmal’ Record On Science Policy

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) blasted President Trump for an “abysmal” record on science policy in a recently released report, titled “Science Under Trump,” which surveyed more than 63,000 scientists at 16 federal agencies.

The group of scientists wrote that “a year and a half into the Trump administration, its record on science policy in several agencies and departments is abysmal.”

“Evidence rolls in daily that this administration is undermining long-established processes for science to inform public policy,” the group added. “Regulated industries possess increasing power to influence what science is used in policymaking, while public voices are increasingly excluded.”

The UCS report found that Trump-led federal agencies face challenges including “political interference in scientists’ work, low morale, decreased agency effectiveness, and dwindling resources.”

According to the report, more than 90 percent of the Environmental Protection Agency’s scientists participating in the UCS survey said the EPA’s workforce has decreased over the past year.

“When federal scientists can’t carry out their work, it’s the public that suffers,” said Charise Johnson, a UCS research analyst. “When you can’t research threats and share accurate information with the public, there are real consequences.”

The Hill added:

During his presidential campaign and since he took office, Trump has questioned the consensus of scientists on climate change, calling it a hoax.

Last year, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris climate change agreement, snubbing the hundreds of nations who agreed to the first major worldwide agreement tackling climate change and severely walking back former President Obama’s environmental agenda.