No more ‘cherry picking’ science

A recent op-ed by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and Union of Concerned Scientists Director Andrew Rosenberg wrongly asserts that Republicans want to “prevent federal agencies from using science to do their jobs” (“Science under attack in the 114th Congress,” Feb. 17).

Science should guide federal policies, especially those intended to protect public health and the environment. But independent scientists should have a fair chance to fully vet regulations. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has an extensive track record of “cherry picking” science to justify its actions.

{mosads}Behind the scenes, the EPA’s Science Advisory Board was created to provide a meaningful, balanced and independent assessment of the science that supports regulations. The EPA undermines the board’s independence, obstructs meaningful review and prevents it from providing unbiased advice to Congress. As a result, the valuable advice of these experts is often wasted.

Contrary to the authors’ assertions, the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act is not intended to undermine scientists. Rather, it seeks to generate a more balanced panel of experts and enable them to operate in an open and transparent way.

At a time when the EPA is pursuing the most aggressive regulatory agenda in its 44-year history, it is critical that the board function as intended. American taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability from our federal agencies.

Washington, D.C.

Protect America’s property rights

From Amy Frederick, president of the 60 Plus Association

As Americans, we take a great deal of pride in the creative output of our nation. We are the world leader in producing movies the world watches (and imitates), popular music, software, technology and inventions. Creativity is what makes America go, and has for many years been the driving force of our economy and our prosperity.

Unfortunately, the digital age of easy access to information, both legally and illegally, is threatening America’s creative output, as many are finding ways to make a quick buck by pilfering the hard work and creative efforts of others. This is theft, plain and simple, and hurts all Americans just as much as it hurts the creator of the stolen work.

America runs on ideas, creativity, innovation and a spirit of constantly striving to push the limits and create new experiences and new ways of living. If we want to preserve our culture and our status as the world’s creative leader, then we must also build a culture that vehemently opposes the theft of intellectual property, wherever it may occur.

The protection of intellectual property is specifically mentioned in our Constitution for a reason — even our Founders understood the importance of protecting all property, both tangible and intangible. Along with our First Amendment freedom of speech, the vigorous protection of intellectual property rights gives every American a voice. 

In this ever-changing digital landscape in which we live, with the future of our economy, our culture and our technological infrastructure at stake, every American must be mindful that protecting intellectual property rights is a group effort, involving government, law enforcement, private enterprise, civic organizations and the technology sector. In this new digital age, we must remain rooted in our legacy as the world leader in creative output, and defend this identity both for ourselves and future generations.

Alexandria, Va.