Defending Climate Science
In response to recent attacks on climate science, the Sabin Center has partnered with the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund to develop the Silencing Science Tracker, which records government attempts to restrict or prohibit scientific research. We have also played a pivotal role in advocating for targeted scientists’ rights.
Resources
The Silencing Science Tracker is a joint initiative of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund. It tracks government attempts to restrict or prohibit scientific research, education or discussion, or the publication or use of scientific information, since the November 2016 election. Read more
Publications
When Politics Trump Science: The Erosion of Science-Based Regulation, Romany Webb, Lauren Kurtz and Susan Rosenthal (Environmental Law Reporter, September 2020)
Holding Fossil Fuel Companies Accountable for their Contribution to Climate Change: Where Does the Law Stand? Michael Burger and Jessica Wentz (November 2018)
The Application of Open Records Laws to Publicly Funded Science, Lauren Kurtz (April 2017)
All Climate Science publications are available here
Comments and Legal Briefs
Appeal in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in Physicians for Social Responsibility, et al. v. Pruitt by Michael Burger. The reply brief is available here. (November 2019)
The Sabin Center filed an appeal in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in Physicians for Social Responsibility, et al. v. Pruitt. In this case, Michael Burger is working with the Columbia Environmental Law Clinic to represent two scientists who have challenged EPA's policy banning scientists with EPA grants from the agency's science advisory committees.
See also:
Complaint Challenging Scott Pruitt’s Science Advisory Committee Directive, Columbia Environmental Law Clinic and Earthjustice, related Press Release (December 2017)
Media Highlights
The Trump Administration is 'Silencing Science,' Environmental Law Experts Say, WBUR, February 3, 2020
Here’s How Science Has Suffered During the First 1,000 Days of Trump, by Lauren Kurtz and Susan Rosenthal (October 2019)
The White House's attack on scientists could manipulate public opinion, op-ed by Romany Webb and Lauren Kurtz, The Hill (February 2019)
Congress can stop the war on science, op-ed by Romany Webb and Lauren Kurtz, The Hill (January 2019)
'Silencing Science Tracker' Tallies 287 Government Attacks on Science in Past Two Years, State of the Planet (January 2019)
Silencing Science Tracker Expanded to Include State and Local Government Actions, by Romany Webb (September 2018)
The Trump Administration's Continued Attack on Climate Science, Romany Webb and Lauren Kurtz (August 2018)
New Silencing Science Tracker Launched by the Sabin Center and Climate Science Legal Defense Fund, by Romany Webb (January 2018)