President Trump last week nominated Sam Clovis to be chief scientist for the USDA, formally known as the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. Clovis is a former economics professor, better known as a conservative talk radio host and Trump campaign advisor. One thing he is not is a scientist, and that has drawn harsh criticism professional organizations of scientists.
One of the strongest reactions came from the Union of Concerned Scientists, who issued a statement calling the nomination illegal. The basis for that judgement is this section of federal law:
“The Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among distinguished scientists with specialized training or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics.”
Karen Perry Stillerman, a senior analyst for food and environment issues at Union of Concerned Scientists, says Clovis degree in public administration and his economics’ teaching experience isn’t sufficient expertise for overseeing $3 billion in research and education programs.
“It requires someone with a grounding in the scientific process and a real understanding of how science is done and how the results of scientific research should be applied to public policy.”
Stillerman also argues that Clovis’ stated positions on climate science – that it’s “junk science” – is unacceptable given the daily impact climate change is having on American farmers.
“Farmers really rely on a stable climate, and we’re looking at years ahead of us of increased floods and droughts, and more severe floods and droughts. Those are the kinds of things that will affect farmers and their ability to make a living off the land in a big way,” Stillerman said. “Having someone responsible for the science and the technical assistance and education that farmers need in that kind of situation who doesn’t believe in that science is a real problem.”
According to a Washington Post analysis, the vast majority of high-level, science-related appointments in the Trump administration remain unfilled. There are still thirty-four such positions without a nominee, including the nation’s top science advisory position, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Given the choice, Stillerman says she’d rather see the USDA chief scientist position remain vacant than have Sam Clovis in the office.