Science and politics

[Quantum Windbag]

What happens when a scientists speaks up and talks about the government ignoring the science and relying on hyperbole to make policy decisions? Just what you expect, even if the side that is doing it is supposedly pro science and dedicated to making sure that science guides their decisions.

One might reasonably assume that the state’s top staff geologist would have some relevant thoughts about drilling for natural gas. But good luck finding out what’s on Langhorne B. Smith Jr.’s mind, now that the state has muzzled him. If only irony were an alternative energy source. Here’s the state Education Department *— an agency responsible for fostering knowledge — barring Mr. Smith from talking to reporters after his comments on gas drilling caused a backlash among environmentalists — who normally are the first to cry out when politics takes precedence over science.
We don’t particularly agree with Mr. Smith on a few key points, either. But shutting down an informed voice is absolutely the wrong thing for the government to do, and for environmentalists to support, if only in their failure to denounce it.
As the Times Union’s James M. Odato found, Mr. Smith has been forbidden to talk to reporters since he spoke out on hydraulic fracturing, a controversial process of extracting natural gas that the energy industry wants to employ in the vast Marcellus Shale formation that lies under six states.

A bad lesson in censorship - The Observation Deck - timesunion.com - Albany NY

What is it that he said that caused such an uproar that the department he works for actually ordered him not to talk? Apparently pointing out that the technology known as fracking has never been linked to a single case of groundwater contamination is something that no scientist should ever point out. Even though natural gas actually has a lesser impact on the environment than the current methods we use to generate power.

"The worst spin on the worst incidents are treated as if it's going to be the norm here," said Taury Smith, the state geologist, a self-described liberal Democrat more concerned with global warming than extraction of natural gas from one of the largest sources available in the United States. "This could really help us fight climate change; this is a huge gift, this shale."He said he has been examining the science of hydrofracturing the shale for three years and has found no cases in which the process has led to groundwater contamination, although several portrayals by anti-fracking groups and featured in the press have raised concerns about underground pools being harmed because of drilling.
"Those are exaggerated problems; each incident wasn't the result of hydro-fracking. There were incidents of groundwater contamination near frack sites, but they were unrelated," Smith said. He said the industry should be strictly monitored by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and should be encouraged to move the nation away from coal-fired power and to the more environmentally friendly natural gas.

Scientist says the spin is on - Times Union

Politics has never been known for letting science or truth sway its agenda, no matter who is in charge.