A great day for science in the US

Signing the memorandum

By Hamish Johnston

Yesterday was a great day for scientists in the US.

Barack Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum on Scientific Integrity to US government agencies. The following excerpt says it all…

“The public must be able to trust the science and scientific process informing public policy decisions. Political officials should not suppress or alter scientific or technological findings and conclusions. If scientific and technological information is developed and used by the Federal Government, it should ordinarily be made available to the public. To the extent permitted by law, there should be transparency in the preparation, identification, and use of scientific and technological information in policymaking. The selection of scientists and technology professionals for positions in the executive branch should be based on their scientific and technological knowledge, credentials, experience, and integrity.

While these are noble words (you can read the rest of them here government can never be done by peer review. It remains to be seen how Obama can follow the advice of climate scientists, while dealing with many American’s desire to own a large air-conditioned house in the suburbs with two or more vehicles in the driveway.