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May 7, 2008

Can good science equal good politics?

How is science used in the political sphere?

Do the tenants of science and the results of research influence policy in a straightforward way? Or do political motivations interfere with which information is ultimately used to bolster support for legislation?

The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works is holding a hearing this morning on Science and Environmental Regulatory Decisions, considering allegations that politicians have interfered with science at the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal departments.

The hearing (which will be Webcast) will touch on topics such as lead and particulate matter, two topics well known to Rhode Islanders; next week, the state’s Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the state’s long-running case against companies that manufactured lead-based paint.

And a federal judge in January ruled that the state could continue with its suit against the federal government for preventing Rhode Island and 16 other states from setting its own vehicle emissions standards.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the committee, is expected take part in the hearing, set to begin at 9:30 this morning, which will include testimony from a range of academics, researchers and industry representatives.

Click below for a full list of participants.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 9:39 AM | Permalink

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