EPA-hating EPA Director Scott Pruitt has declared that scientists that receive any federal funding from the EPA cannot also serve on the major science advisory boards regarding research and regulatory priorities for the EPA.
That has a facile sensibility to it, of course, until you realize that means the scientists doing top research in those science areas will no longer be there to give “advice.” Instead, those roles will be filled by scientists funded privately by large corporations — the very entities the EPA tends to regulate and whose research often embarrasses.
Pruitt citing a biblical reference in announcing the decision is, of course, icing on the cake.
Pruitt used a story from the Book of Joshua to help explain the new policy. “On the journey to the promised land, “Joshua says to the people of Israel: choose this day whom you are going to serve,” Pruitt said. “This is sort of like the Joshua principle — that as it relates to grants from this agency, you are going to have to choose either service on the committee to provide counsel to us in an independent fashion or chose the grant. But you can’t do both. That’s the fair and great thing to do.”
Which again sounds plausible, until you realize who it means that the EPA has chosen to serve.
Citing The Bible, The EPA Just Blew Up Its Science Advisory Boards
Referencing the Book of Joshua, EPA head Scott Pruitt announced sweeping changes to the agency’s science advisory boards, opening the door to more input from the business world.
Ah, white men in suits. Quoting scripture. With terrorists running around.
If you haven't already, you should read this:
salon.com