USDA SCIENTIST FIRED FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE SCRIPT

BEES AND OTHER ESSENTIAL ISSUES
Some research and some opinion by Lucy Warner March 6, 2016

This blog does range over several subjects, but in my book they are all “essential.” They include an insane Republican refusal to protect the earth’s primary plant pollinators, the rights of scientists to speak truth to power, and the attempted muzzling or elimination of key regulatory agencies, including power production methods and clean water. Those folks want destructive agricultural and chemical practices and the pollution of water to be deregulated, on the heels of the Flint, MI scandal. Republicans don’t learn anything because they are ideologues and slaves to the dollar. They just don’t care! The fact that they now rule the whole US legislature is profoundly depressing. Good common sense, unfortunately, doesn’t have a chance. See the following article on the agri.pulse website in particular. This amounts to a definite and purposeful eroding of basic separation of powers, it seems to me by Rightists.



http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/03/04/469186025/how-free-are-usda-scientists-to-speak-their-mind

How Free Are USDA Scientists To Speak Their Mind?
Dan Charles
Updated March 5, 20167:58 AM ET
Published March 4, 20161:53 PM ET

Photograph -- A crop duster sprays a field with pesticides. Former USDA scientist Jonathan Lundgren says that he has been persecuted by the agency because his research points out problems with popular pesticides. iStockphoto


For the past several years, a scientist in Brookings, S.D., has been engaged in an escalating struggle with his employer, the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. The scientist, Jonathan Lundgren, says that he has been persecuted because his research points out problems — including harm to bees — with a popular class of pesticides called neonicotinoids. The USDA, for its part, accuses the scientist of various professional misdeeds, including insubordination and inappropriate behavior in the office.

Peponapis pruinosa is a species of bee in the tribe Eucerini, the long-horned bees. This bee relies on wild and cultivated squashes, pumpkins, gourds and related plants.
THE SALT

As Beekeepers Lose More Hives, Time For New Rules On Pesticides?

It's often difficult to get to the full truth of such whistleblower cases, which is perhaps the reason this one hasn't received more attention. So The Washington Post and freelance reporter Steve Volk deserve credit for their investigation into the case, featured this week in the Post's Sunday Magazine.

I won't go through the whole article here; read it yourself. Perhaps the most striking anecdote in it has nothing to do with Lundgren. It describes the experience of the USDA's former head of bee research, Jeff Pettis, while testifying before a congressional committee about the causes of honeybee declines.

A honeybee forages for nectar and pollen from an oilseed rape flower.
THE SALT
Buzz Over Bee Health: New Pesticide Studies Rev Up Controversy

The hearing, as Pettis describes it, was stacked with witnesses who downplayed the impact of pesticides on bees. Pettis was asked to talk about another cause of the bees' problems, a pest called the varroa mite. Pettis did, however, bring up the dangers of pesticides. When the hearing was over, the committee chairman, Republican Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia, told Pettis that he had not "followed the script." Pettis, who has since been relieved of his management responsibilities, confirmed to The Salt that he was quoted accurately by the Post.

The incident suggests that some members of Congress, at least, expect USDA researchers to follow a script.

Lundgren's main offense, it appears, was also in some sense going off-script. He stepped beyond the gathering and publishing of data into the realm of opinion and policy. He talked publicly about the environmental dangers of common agricultural practices and about ways to change what farmers do.

Among scientists, ARS researchers have a reputation for being extremely cautious. The Lundgren case, if it helps explain some of the caution, raises an uncomfortable possibility for the USDA: Perhaps this caution is born of fear.



http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/research.htm

National Programs
ARS Research is organized into National Programs. These programs serve to bring coordination, communication and empowerment to approximately 750 research projects carried out by ARS. The National Programs focus on the relevance, impact, and quality of ARS research.


http://www.agri-pulse.com/More-oversight-of-Interior-EPA-and-USDA-in-the-114th-Congress-12312014.asp

More oversight of Interior, EPA, and USDA in the 114th Congress
By Spencer Chase
© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc. 2016

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2014 - A new subcommittee will spend the next two years keeping an eye on the administration's energy, environmental, and agricultural policies.
Incoming Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, announced in a release that he plans to create the Interior Subcommittee, which will follow issues related to the Department of Interior, Department of Energy, EPA, and USDA. Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming's at-large representative since 2009, will chair the subcommittee.

Better Food Better World

In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care & Entitlements, handled a broad range of issues from domestic energy production to the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare. Chaffetz said there was a prospect for this subcommittee to tackle a broader array of issues.

“When assessing the future of the committee and our goals, we saw an opportunity to make some changes, which includes modifications to subcommittee issue areas and titles,” Chaffetz said in a statement, adding that the changes will allow the subcommittees “to take a new approach to addressing the matters that come before the committee.”

[Is your New Year's resolution to follow ag and rural policy and energy news more closely? Agri-Pulse subscribers get our Daily Harvest email Monday through Friday mornings, a 16-page newsletter on Wednesdays, and access to premium content on our ag and rural policy website. Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription NOW.]

The newly created subcommittee could have impacts on agriculture and rural policy through looming debates on the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Power Plan proposed rule, and the Waters of the U.S. proposed rule, to name a few. Final rules are upcoming on the CPP and WOTUS proposed rules, and many lawmakers have been critical of the use of the ESA, saying its scope is broadening much further than original congressional intent.

Chaffetz said other subcommittees will include Government Operations, Health Care, Benefits, & Administrative Rules, Information Technology, National Security, and Transportation and Public Assets.
#30
For more news, to go www.Agri-Pulse.com.



WHAT IS THE ESA?


http://www.endangeredspecieslawandpolicy.com/2015/07/articles/fish-wildlife-service/esa-roundup-legislation-listings-and-litigation/

ESA Roundup – Legislation, Listings, and Litigation

BY BEN RUBIN ON JULY 21ST, 2015
POSTED IN CONGRESS, FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE, LEGISLATION, LISTING, LITIGATION

Whether dealing with water or with endangered species directly, there have been a number of recent developments that are worth keeping on your radar. Below is a quick summary of some of the more significant items:

July 16, 2015 – The House of Representative, in a largely partisan vote, passed H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, by a vote of 245-176. The Act, which is intended to ease some of the effects of the unprecedented drought gripping California, requires, among other things, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation to work with various California agencies and interested parties to increase water exports from the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. Immediately after the House passed the Act, a number of environmental groups voiced their opposition, citing potential impacts to federally protected fish species. Whether the House’s actions will result in any relief for California is still very much up in the air, as reports indicate that even if Republicans are able to garner the necessary Democratic votes to have the Act pass the Senate, the President is likely to veto the Act. (See July 16, 2015 Los Angeles Times article by Colin Diersing and Monte Morin.)

July 16, 2015 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service announced a 60-day extension of the public comment period for proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act petition regulations. According to the announcement, public comments will now be accepted if received on or before September 18, 2015. For a further discussion of the proposed revisions, see our May 19, 2015 post.

July 20, 2015 – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a federal lawsuit against the Miami Seaquarium alleging that by keeping Lolita, a killer whale (Orcinus orca), in captivity, the Seaquarium is violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA). (See PETA’s July 20, 2015 Update.) Lolita is the only captive member of the Southern Resident killer whale Distinct Population Segment (DPS). While the 2005 DPS listing under the ESA excluded captive members of the species from ESA protection, an amendment in early 2015 eliminated that exclusion. (See our prior posts for additional background: January 31, 2014, January 22, 2015, February 16, 2015.)



WHAT IS THE CPP?

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/12/02/3726951/house-votes-kill-clean-power-plan/

CLIMATE

The House Just Voted To Kill A Plan That Most Americans Support
BY SAMANTHA PAGE DEC 2, 2015 8:49 AM

Photograph -- Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) has been leading the House charge to kill the Clean Power Plan.

The House passed two joint resolutions Tuesday to kill the Clean Power Plan, the Obama Administration’s rule to restrict carbon emissions from the electricity sector. The resolutions passed 242-180 and 235-188 and will now head to the White House.

The Clean Power Plan would reduce emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. Under the rule, states are required to design and implement flexible compliance plans that could include increases in efficiency and clean energy. Together the resolutions cover emissions restrictions on both new and existing power plants. They passed the Senate last month.

Nearly a third of the country’s emissions are from the power sector, largely due to coal-fired power plants, making the Clean Power Plan a critical component of U.S. efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.

During the House hearing Tuesday, Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), who sponsored similar resolutions, called the Clean Power Plan “extreme and unprecedented,” saying it asked too much of America’s electricity sector, especially in the context of global emissions. He also criticized the administration’s role in curbing carbon emissions. The Congressional Review Act, which authorized Tuesday’s resolutions, allows Congress to overturn executive actions.

“There’s no technology available to meet the stringent emission standard set by EPA, and yet China, India, and every other country in the world can build a new coal plant, if they decide to do so,” Whitfield said. “Why should this president penalize America and put us in jeopardy… just so he can go to France and claim to the be world leader on climate change?” . . . .

On Monday, Grijalva and fellow co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced a resolution of their own, calling for 50 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 and a transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Grijalva said it was unlikely to come to the floor, but that it was an important signal to voters. . . . .

Opponents of the rule have largely argued that it will raise electricity costs and kill fossil fuel jobs. However, an emissions reduction program in nine northeastern states has lowered the amount households spend on electricity. In addition, recent investments in solar have spurred that industry to record job growth, and clean energy advocates — as well as disinterested researchers — have found time and time again that clean energy is good for the economy. The EPA also estimates that the Clean Power Plan, by reducing overall pollution, will save Americans billions in healthcare costs and associated economic benefits. . . . .

Tuesday’s resolutions are not the only challenges to the rule, though. Some 26 different states are suing the EPA over the rule. (Another 18 states are intervening in the lawsuit in support of the rule). It’s unclear, though, whose interests they represent. Polls have shown that Americans broadly support action on climate change and, specifically, reducing carbon from power plants. A Yale study found that the public disagrees with the Clean Power Plan in only three states. Across the opposing states, 60 percent of voters think the plan is a good idea.

Obama, who was in Paris on Monday and Tuesday, has already said he will veto the resolutions, and it does not appear that either the Senate or the House has the necessary super-majority to overturn a veto.



WHAT IS WOTUS?

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/594

WOTUS

H.R.594 - Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2015
114th Congress (2015-2016) | Get alerts

Sponsor: Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-4] (Introduced 01/28/2015)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: 01/29/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. (All Actions)

Summary: H.R.594 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)

There is one summary for H.R.594. Bill summaries are authored by CRS.
Shown Here:
Introduced in House (01/28/2015)

Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2015

This bill prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from:

developing, finalizing, adopting, implementing, applying, administering, or enforcing the proposed rule entitled, "Definition of 'Waters of the United States' Under the Clean Water Act," issued on April 21, 2014, or the proposed guidance entitled, "Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected By the Clean Water Act," dated February 17, 2012; or
using the proposed rule or proposed guidance, any successor document, or any substantially similar proposed rule or guidance as the basis for any rulemaking or decision regarding the scope or enforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act).

The Army Corps and the EPA must withdraw the interpretive rule entitled, "Notice of Availability Regarding the Exemption from Permitting Under Section 404(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act to Certain Agricultural Conservation Practices," issued on April 21, 2014.

The Army Corps and the EPA are required to consult with relevant state and local officials to develop recommendations for a regulatory proposal that would identify the scope of waters covered under the Clean Water Act and the scope of waters not covered.



https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1614


AUSTIN SCOTT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER ISSUES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Scott_(politician)

Austin Scott (politician)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

James Austin Scott (born December 10, 1969) is an American politician who has been the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 8th congressional district since 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party.


http://www.ontheissues.org/GA/Austin_Scott.htm

He is a strictly far right voter except for Social Security, in which case he voted against privatization or private healthcare funds in 2010, but in favor of privatization in 2013. That change is sad, but not surprising. The Republicans mandate that there will be no dissention in their leadership ranks. See the website above.

Austin Scott on Environment
Click here for 4 full quotes on Environment OR background on Environment.
Stop considering manure as pollutant or hazardous. (Sep 2011)
Rated 0% by HSLF, indicating an anti-animal welfare voting record. (Jan 2012)
Sponsored no permits for legal pesticide runoff into lakes & streams. (Mar 2013)
No EPA permits required for forest road runoff. (May 2013)

Austin Scott on Principles & Values
Click here for the full quote on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating opposition to separation of church & state. (Jan 2013)

Austin Scott on Social Security
Click here for 3 full quotes on Social Security OR background on Social Security.
Safeguard the agreement with seniors; no privatization. (Nov 2010)
Opposes private retirement accounts. (Aug 2010)
Rated 0% by ARA, indicating a pro-privatization stance. (Jan 2013)


ARA means what??

This page contains group ratings from independent policy groups. Each group determines their own rating system.
03n-ARA on Dec 31, 2003

Political Group Ratings: by the ARA on senior issues
Source: ARA website

The mission of the Alliance for Retired Americans is to ensure social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens so that they may enjoy lives of dignity, personal and family fulfillment and security. The Alliance believes that all older and retired persons have a responsibility to strive to create a society that incorporates these goals and rights and that retirement provides them with opportunities to pursue new and expanded activities with their unions, civic organizations and their communities.
The following ratings are based on the votes the organization considered most important; the numbers reflect the percentage of time the representative voted the organization's preferred position.

Participating counts on VoteMatch question 6. Question 6: Privatize Social Security Scores: -2=Strongly oppose; -1=Oppose; 0=neutral; 1=Support; 2=Strongly support.
Topic: Social Security

Headline: by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record (Score: -2)
Headline 2: by the ARA, indicating a mixed record on senior issues (Score: 0)
Headline 3: by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record (Score: 2)

Key for participation codes:
Sponsorships: p=sponsored; o=co-sponsored; s=signed
Memberships: c=chair; m=member; e=endorsed; f=profiled; s=scored
Resolutions: i=introduced; w=wrote; a=adopted
Cases: w=wrote; j=joined; d=dissented; c=concurred
Surveys: '+' supports; '-' opposes.



FROM GOOGLE: http://www.abbreviations.com/ARA. I DIDN’T FIND ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS ON THIS SITE. I DID FIND THE FOLLOWING --

ARA
Anti Racist Action
Community

ARA
Animal Rights Activists
Medical » Veterinary

ARA
Any Responsible Adult
Community » Law & Legal

ARA
Accounting Research Association
Business » Accounting

ARA
Automatic Response Agreement
Business » General

ARA
Awards and Recognition Association
Miscellaneous » Awards & Medals

ARA WOW ! ! !
Army Of Revolutionary Assassins
Governmental » Military

ARA
American Recovery Association
Miscellaneous » Unclassified

ARA
Artistic Research Archive
Academic & Science » Research

ARA WHAT IS AN AUTOMATIC RETAILER??
Automatic Retailers of America
Miscellaneous » Unclassified

ARA
Agricultural Retailers Association
Miscellaneous » Farming & Agriculture

ARA ATTACKING RACISTS, OR RACISTS ATTACKING ??
Active Racist Attacking
Miscellaneous » Unclassified

ARA
Aggregate Resources Act
Governmental » Environmental