Greetings, I am writing today to invite you to join with eminent biologists Jane Lubchenco, Gordon Orians, Stuart Pimm, and Peter Raven in signing an open letter to the United States Senate concerning the appropriate use of science in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If you possess or are working towards an advanced degree in biological sciences, please review the sign-on letter and add your name online by January 20 at
http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/restoring/biologists-letter-on.html The ESA has provided protection for our most threatened and endangered animals and their habitats for over thirty years. "The Endangered Species Act is more than just a law," write the biologists. "It is the ultimate safety net in our life support system." As legislation makes its way through Congress that could severely undermine the ESA's scientific principles, a strong, unified statement from biological experts will help protect the ESA's scientific underpinnings and ensure that endangered species policy and practice will continue to conserve biodiversity. The letter with the full complement of signatures will be delivered to each U.S. Senator in early February. The letter will also be used to generate media coverage and other public awareness of this issue. Affiliations will be used for identification purposes only; you may request to sign without an affiliation. DEADLINE: ASAP Reply no later than January 20th to ensure that your name appears on the letter delivered to the U.S. Senate. When you have signed, please forward this email to your colleagues, giving each of them the opportunity to sign on. THE ISSUE Last August, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that undermines the science behind the ESA in significant ways. First, the legislation transfers the authority of deciding what is the best available science from scientists to political appointees. Second, the legislation requires decisions affecting species to be based on empirical data - effectively eliminating the use of established scientific techniques such as modeling, population surveys, and taxonomic and genetic studies. In addition, the legislation removes the protection for habitat that species need for survival and recovery. The House legislation would fundamentally and negatively alter the way science would inform critical decisions affecting endangered and threatened species. Furthermore, it represents a Congressional assault on scientific integrity and the ability of federal scientists to do their jobs. As early as February, the Senate may create its own version of this legislation. A number of prominent biologists have come together to urge the Senate to keep the scientific foundation of the ESA intact. They are asking their colleagues to join them in signing the letter from biological scientists to the U.S. Senate the Senate: http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/restoring/biologists-letter-on.html Leaders in this effort include David Bain, Ron Carroll, Paul Ehrlich, Melissa Grigione, Lynn Maquire, Jane Lubchenco, Dennis Murphy, Gordon Orians, Stuart Pimm, Barry Noon, Peter Raven, and John Terborgh. The Union of Concerned Scientists, collaborating with EarthJustice and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), is providing strategic and logistical support for this an effort. Please act today to read and sign the letter: http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/restoring/biologists-letter-on.html Thanks for all you do to protect the integrity of science. Regards, Francesca Grifo, Ph.D. Senior Scientist and Director Scientific Integrity Program Union of Concerned Scientists Note: For more on the House legislation, see the National Wildlife Federation's analysis at http://www.nwf.org/resourceLibrary/getData.cfm?officeID=15D39898-FEF7-0077-300221CD0852182F&catID=3A8651F3-A4A3-2232-B545994E699FA2E0&pageID=3780F60E-9279-7263-B972965FD951038B and EarthJustice's analysis at http://www.savetheact.org/threats.html
