Our weekly bulletin collects and digests news of the past week. Contributions welcome.
This news bulletin was compiled by ASIU members Emma Broach and Elena Krueper. General questions or concerns about CSIU? Contact Michael Hamburger at hamburg@iu.edu.
GLOBAL NEWS
EPA Plan to End Greenhouse Gas Regulations, Expected Imminently, Will Harm Human Health, Experts Say
Inside Climate News | July 25, 2025 Read More
The EPA is drafting a proposal to rescind its 2009 “endangerment finding” that classified greenhouse gas emissions as a threat to public health, potentially undermining key climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. The draft focuses on legal arguments and is now under interagency review, with critics warning it could dismantle vital emissions standards.
How vaccine policy has changed under RFK Jr. What to know.
Washington Post | July 24, 2025 Read More
Under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the federal government has ended COVID‑19 vaccination recommendations for children and pregnant women, bypassing standard advisory processes. The move has prompted lawsuits from major medical groups, and led several states and professional organizations to develop their own immunization guidance recommendations.
A Healthy Environment Is a Human Right, UN Court Rules
EOS | July 23, 2025 Read More
In a historic advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice ruled that a “clean, healthy and sustainable environment” is a human right and countries may be legally responsible for climate inaction, including potential reparations. The unanimous ruling frames failure to curb greenhouse gas emissions, including government and private sector activity, as possible violations of international law.
Congressional panels resist White House proposals for sharp cuts in indirect cost rates
Science | July 25, 2025 Read More
Recently, congressional panels have actively resisted White House proposals to implement sharp cuts to indirect cost reimbursement rates. The pushback aligns with higher‑education associations advocating for revised models to ensure full indirect cost coverage under federal research grants.
Researchers in dismay as US exits world science body UNESCO … again
Nature | July 23, 2025 Read More
The United States has announced it will withdraw from UNESCO once again, citing objections to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and concerns over ideological agendas. Ultimately, researchers warn that pulling out undermines U.S. leadership in global scientific collaboration, education, and policy on issues such as gender equity, AI governance, and climate action.
As U.S. Retreats on Climate, China and Europe Pledge to Go Green Together
New York Times | July 24, 2025 Read More
While reaffirming their commitment to the Paris Agreement, China and the European Union released a joint statement promising to strengthen collaboration on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This renewed partnership, which signals a shared determination, aims to advance multilateral cooperation and address the urgent challenges posed by the global climate crisis.
Trump’s plan to slash global health spending rejected by key spending panel
Science | July 23, 2025 Read More
President Trump’s plan to sharply cut global health funding, including for major programs targeting HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, was blocked by a key congressional spending panel. Despite the administration’s push, lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about the potential damage to public health efforts and global partnerships.
Amid Fear of Retaliation, N.S.F. Workers Sign Letter of Dissent
New York Times | July 22, 2025 Read More
This month, President Trump issued a directive for the National Science Foundation to prioritize funding for politically favored research areas, such as climate change skepticism and reducing diversity efforts. This shift raised concerns among scientists who warn that politicizing funding priorities could undermine the overall integrity of federally supported scientific research.
Dismantling of EPA’s Scientific Research Arm Fulfills Key Chemical Industry Goal
Inside Climate News | July 21, 2025 Read More
The Trump administration initiated the dismantling of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, a move that alarmed scientists and environmental advocates who rely on its work. This decision, which followed intense lobbying by industry groups aiming to limit the EPA’s reliance on the office’s chemical health risk assessments, has raised concerns about the future of environmental research and regulatory integrity.
Controversial Interior Department Aide From DOGE to Leave Agency
New York Times | July 25, 2025 Read More
Tyler Hassen, a DOGE-linked former oil executive, has been granted sweeping administrative control within the Department of the Interior without Senate confirmation. He is overseeing cost‑cutting reforms, reorganizing grants and contracts, targeting public input processes, and blocking building leases, while retaining energy-industry financial ties.
Trump effort to ditch greenhouse gas finding ignores ‘clearcut’ science, expert says
The Guardian | July 24, 2025 Read More
The Trump administration is advancing plans to rescind the 2009 EPA "endangerment finding" that classified greenhouse gases, including CO₂, as a threat to health and welfare. Critics warn the repeal would eliminate the EPA’s legal power to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act and sidestep well-established scientific evidence.
USDA reorganization will cut agricultural and forest research
Science | July 25, 2025 Read More
The USDA announced plans to vacate key Washington D.C. buildings and relocate roughly 2,600 employees to five regional hubs, while consolidating Forest Service offices. Critics say the reorganization and associated staffing cuts threaten research continuity and undermine delivery of farm and conservation programs.
FEMA search and rescue chief resigns after frustration with Texas flood response
CNN | July 21, 2025 Read More
Ken Pagurek, head of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue branch, resigned July 21, expressing frustration over delayed deployments during Central Texas floods and increased bureaucratic constraints under DHS and the Trump administration. Pagurek plans to return to the Philadelphia Fire Department after more than a decade leading federal rescue teams.
Top NOAA officials placed on leave. One said he clashed with Trump appointees.
Nature | July 25, 2025 Read More
Two veteran NOAA officials, Jeff Dillen and Steve Volz, both of whom led the agency’s 2020 “Sharpiegate” investigation, were placed on administrative leave. Volz said tensions with Trump-era appointees over satellite commercialization may have precipitated the move, raising concerns about political interference in NOAA’s scientific oversight.
Spain bids €400 million to host mega telescope at risk in US budget cuts
Nature | July 24, 2025 Read More
Spain has offered €400 million to host the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on the Canary Island of La Palma, aiming to rescue the project after U.S. budget cuts halted its development. Spanish officials argue that La Palma's high-altitude site offers excellent conditions for astronomical observation, despite being lower than the original Hawaiian location.
REGIONAL NEWS
Commissioners establish 409-acre Monroe County Nature Preserve
WFYI | July 24, 2025 Read More
Monroe County has officially designated a 409-acre property as the Monroe County Nature Preserve, following a donation from Nancy Huntington, whose family has owned the land since 1906. The preserve, located near Bloomington, will feature extensive grass trails, wildlife management initiatives, and tree plantings, with full public access anticipated by 2027.
Trump administration grants two Indiana plants ‘relief’ from toxic pollution regulations
The Herald Times | July 25, 2025 Read More
The Trump administration extended pollution compliance deadlines by two years for a chemical plant in Mount Vernon and a sterilization facility in Ellettsville, allowing them to operate under older EPA rules. Officials cite high costs and technical challenges, but environmental advocates warn the exemptions put profits over public health, risking exposure to harmful pollutants like carcinogenic ethylene oxide.
Potential Repeal of Roadless Rule Could Permanently Damage Midwest National Forests
Inside Climate News | July 22, 2025 Read More
The repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule eliminates protections for roughly 30% of National Forest lands in the Midwest, opening the door to expanded logging and road construction. Experts warn that these changes could harm wildlife habitats, degrade forest health, reduce recreational opportunities, and negatively impact waterways and ecosystems.
Gov. Braun pushes nuclear energy in Indiana for economic development
WTHR | July 21, 2025 Read More
In Indiana, Governor Mike Braun is advancing legislation to develop advanced nuclear energy, notably small modular reactors, to meet rising power demands driven by AI data centers and manufacturing growth. Critics caution the measures could transfer financial risk onto ratepayers even if projects fail to materialize.
DOE cancels loan for major electric power line project, company aims to build it anyway
Indiana Public Media | July 24, 2025 Read More
The U.S. Department of Energy has canceled a $4.9 billion loan guarantee for the Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile transmission line intended to deliver renewable energy from Kansas to Indiana. Despite this setback, the project's developer, Invenergy, plans to proceed with private financing, aiming to enhance grid reliability and support energy infrastructure goals.
OPINION & ANALYSIS
What Does NOAA Do for Us, and How Can We Defend It?
Union of Concerned Scientists | March 03, 2025 Read More
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides essential services that protect public safety, support economic resilience, and enhance environmental stewardship. Public advocacy is crucial to defend NOAA against political attacks and ensure its continued effectiveness in addressing climate change and safeguarding communities.
Inside the Collapse of the F.D.A.
New York Times | July 08, 2025 Read More
As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched public attacks on the FDA, Commissioner Robert Califf recognized the moment as part of a broader collapse in trust toward scientific and regulatory institutions. The agency, long under strain, now faces escalating skepticism and hostility fueled by misinformation, complicating its ability to regulate effectively and protect public health.
NHS must adapt to work better in heatwaves
The Guardian | July 21, 2025 Read More
The NHS must urgently adapt to increasing heatwaves driven by climate change, which are straining healthcare services and endangering public health. Significant investment in infrastructure, staff training, and resilience planning is needed to ensure the NHS can continue to operate safely and effectively during extreme temperatures.
How the Right Is Waging War on Climate-Conscious Investing
The Atlantic | July 18, 2025 Read More
A conservative campaign spearheaded by Leonard Leo and Consumers’ Research has used state pension funds, legal action, and legislation to pressure major financial firms to scale back climate-conscious investing. This coordinated effort has contributed to a steep decline in ESG initiatives, shareholder climate proposals, and corporate climate commitments.
This is not the time to step back from diversity, equity, and inclusion
Science | July 17, 2025 Read More
Halting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in science undermines the development of a vigorous scientific enterprise. Diverse scientific teams are more likely to pursue innovative research and produce high-quality outcomes, and DEI efforts are essential for addressing systemic inequities and fostering a more inclusive scientific community.
Climate Science Is Now the Law
New York Times | July 24, 2025 Read More
The International Court of Justice’s ruling makes it clear that continuing or expanding fossil fuel production violates international law, holding governments and companies legally responsible for climate harm. Despite decades of scientific consensus, fossil fuel industries have delayed action and expanded investments, but rising legal challenges worldwide seek to make polluters pay and drive real climate action.
TAKE ACTION & RESOURCE FOR ACTIVISTS
You Need Science. Science Needs You.
Union of Concerned Scientists | July 22, 2025 Read More
Support science by actively advocating for policies that protect research and innovation, sharing your personal story to highlight its impact, and joining the Science Network to collaborate with others who are committed to defending science and driving meaningful change.
Our CSIU news bulletin is intended to provide a brief update on recent news, editorials, as well as action items related to science integrity and science policy. Note that editorial pieces and action items are assembled from a variety of sources and organizations; they do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policy priorities of Concerned Scientists @ IU. This week’s news bulletin was compiled and edited by ASIU members Emma Broach and Elena Krueper. If you’d like to volunteer—or if you have additional links you’d like to share for future bulletins, send them to hamburg@iu.edu.
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