Les Jones: Where Science Meets Policy

January 12, 2004

Science > Where Science Meets Policy

Interested Participant tells the story of the Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse. Listed as an endangered species, its status as a separate species is being challenged by a new study. If the new study is correct, bad science led to an unnecessary expense to taxpayers and land owners. Mistakes are inevitable and even understandable, but when scientific mistakes lead to mistaken policy, the effects are suddenly quantifiable in a way that other scientific mistakes aren't.

Posted by lesjones

Comments

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I'm not sure what you're getting at here. I assume that you're arguing in favor of gutti...er, "revisiting" the Endangered Species Act,

Me -- I just wish plants had more ESA love. When I was a faceless government bureaucrat, completely ignoring the best interests of American citizens was always my guiding principle. But ya know, it's just not that satisfying when you know that you don't have the power to destroy people's lives and wreck the economy.

Posted by: Steve at January 15, 2004

My point, which I maybe could have expanded on, is that science isn't always right the first time. I should have tied it into the current debate on global climate change: do you really want to pursue an environmental policy based on the opinions of the atmospheric scientists who believe in GCC? If they're wrong we'll have crippled our economy for nothing.

What I really wanted to do with this post was to go into the difference between lumpers and splitters when it comes to naming new species. Not enough time, though.

I do think the ESA needs work, though. I'm more in favor of a Nature Conservancy buyout approach than virtual government seizure of the land via use restrictions.

Posted by: Les Jones at January 15, 2004