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
Trump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades
New York Times | May 22, 2025 Read More
The Trump administration’s 2025 budget cut NSF funding by 55%, leading to canceled research projects and widespread layoffs. Scientists warn the cuts could trigger a brain drain and undermine U.S. scientific leadership.
NSF’s grant cuts fall heaviest on scientists from underrepresented groups
Science | May 16, 2025 Read More
The NSF has canceled over 1,000 research grants, disproportionately affecting scientists from underrepresented groups and institutions serving minority populations. The cuts, part of the Trump administration's rollback of DEI initiatives, have led to significant disruptions in research projects and academic careers.
Trump’s tax bill to cost 830,000 jobs and drive up bills and pollution emissions, experts warn
The Guardian | May 22, 2025 Read More
President Trump's proposed tax bill threatens to eliminate key clean energy incentives, potentially resulting in the loss of over 830,000 jobs and increased household energy costs. Experts warn that the bill could reverse progress on climate change by dismantling support for renewable energy projects.
Funding Cuts Are a ‘Gut Punch’ for STEM Education Researchers
New York Times | May 22, 2025 Read More
Hundreds of NSF grants supporting science teaching and inclusion efforts have been canceled, raising concerns about long-term impacts on U.S. science education and workforce development. These reductions could significantly limit opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Harvard researchers devastated as Trump team cuts nearly 1,000 grants
Nature | May 23, 2025 Read More
Harvard University faces the termination of nearly 1,000 federal research grants, totaling approximately $2.4 billion, under the Trump administration's funding cuts. The affected grants span multiple disciplines, including biomedical research and quantum computing, raising concerns about the future of scientific innovation at the institution.
Trump and Republicans are targeting blue states’ climate policies
Washington Post | May 22, 2025 Read More
A recent Senate vote aimed to block California's authority to set its own vehicle emissions standards, including a planned ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035. This move challenges the state's long-standing waiver under the Clean Air Act and could have nationwide implications for climate policy.
Documents Show E.P.A. Wants to Erase Greenhouse Gas Limits on Power Plants
New York Times | May 24, 2025 Read More
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed rolling back regulations on power plant emissions, allowing older plants to operate without modern pollution controls. Critics argue that this policy change could lead to increased air pollution and hinder efforts to combat climate change.
The Tax Increase Tucked Into Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Inside Climate News | May 23, 2025 Read More
President Trump's proposed legislation includes increased taxes on electric and hybrid vehicles, potentially discouraging their adoption. The bill also seeks to repeal existing clean energy incentives, raising concerns about the future of sustainable transportation.
Crippling tropical diseases threaten to surge after U.S. funding cuts
Science | May 20, 2025 Read More
Many are concerned that U.S. funding cuts to programs targeting tropical diseases could lead to a resurgence of illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. Health experts warn that reduced support for research and prevention efforts may compromise global health security.
Trump signs executive orders to spur US ‘nuclear energy renaissance’
The Guardian | May 23, 2025 Read More
President Trump has signed executive orders aimed at expanding nuclear energy production, including measures to streamline regulatory approvals and promote investment in new reactor technologies. Supporters argue that these actions will bolster energy independence, while critics raise safety and environmental concerns.
House Bill Would Derail Biden’s Signature Climate Law
New York Times | May 22, 2025 Read More
A new House bill seeks to dismantle key components of President Biden's climate legislation, including subsidies for renewable energy and electric vehicles. Environmental advocates warn that the proposed changes could undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Wildlife crime crackdown in jeopardy worldwide after US funding cuts
Mongabay | May 22, 2025 Read More
On an international scale, U.S. funding cuts have jeopardized global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and poaching. Conservation organizations express concern that reduced support may hinder the protection of endangered species and biodiversity.
NOAA Predicts Above-Average Hurricane Activity This Year
Inside Climate News | May 23, 2025 Read More
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-average hurricane season, but funding uncertainties may impact the agency's ability to provide accurate forecasts and emergency response. Budget constraints could compromise public safety during extreme weather events.
Scientific conferences are leaving the US amid border fears
Nature | May 22, 2025 Read More
Due to visa and border concerns under the Trump administration, scientific conferences are moving from the U.S. to countries like Canada. Organizers want to ensure broader participation and avoid risks of detention or deportation.
Trump vowed to help US farmers. These four say his policies are ‘wreaking havoc’
The Guardian | May 23, 2025 Read More
President Trump's agricultural policies have shifted focus away from climate-friendly practices, reducing support for sustainable farming initiatives. Farmers who previously adopted conservation methods express uncertainty about the future of environmentally responsible agriculture.
REGIONAL NEWS
Solar on big box stores and warehouses: Indiana's big, flat, sunny opportunity
WFYI | May 21, 2025 Read More
Indiana's large commercial rooftops, such as those on big-box stores and warehouses, present significant opportunities for solar energy installations. Advocates suggest that utilizing these spaces could enhance the state's renewable energy capacity.
Duke Energy's coal plant closure plan divides consumer advocates. Both say 'no' to new natural gas
Indiana Public Media | May 21, 2025 Read More
Duke Energy's plan to replace a retiring coal plant with a natural gas facility has drawn criticism from consumer advocates, who argue that the move may not align with long-term climate goals and could impact energy rates.
Why delayed maintenance at a northwest Indiana steel plant gives green steel advocates hope
WFYI | May 15, 2025 Read More
Delays in maintenance at the Burns Harbor steel plant in northwest Indiana have sparked interest in transitioning to "green steel" production methods. Proponents see this as an opportunity to modernize the industry and reduce carbon emissions.
Indiana opens up rebate program to help Hoosiers lower their energy bills, carbon emissions
Indiana Public Media | May 19, 2025 Read More
Indiana has recently launched a rebate program to help residents lower their energy bills and carbon emissions by incentivizing energy-efficient home upgrades. The initiative aims to promote sustainability and cost savings for Hoosiers.
OPINION & ANALYSIS
House Republicans are about to wreck Trump’s nuclear-powered dream
Washington Post | May 15, 2025 Read More
House Republicans’ budget cuts to federal energy loan programs and tax credits could undercut Trump’s push to expand U.S. nuclear power. The cuts would make financing new nuclear projects much more difficult in the future.
It Turns Out Some Republicans in Congress Do Have a Red Line
New York Times | May 16, 2025 Read More
The Trump administration’s push to sell off public lands prioritizes short-term economic gains over long-term conservation and public interest. Weakening protections for parks and wilderness areas endangers America’s natural heritage and undermines shared stewardship of public resources.
Extinction Rebellion may have gone quiet, but climate protest will come roaring back
The Guardian | May 20, 2025 Read More
Although the Extinction Rebellion has quieted due to legal crackdowns, internal divisions, and the pandemic, climate protest is far from over. As the crisis deepens, the movement is likely to evolve into more strategic, localized forms of activism.
Why Are So Many People Sure Covid Leaked From a Lab?
New York Times | May 21, 2025 Read More
The COVID-19 lab-leak theory rests on weak evidence and appears driven more by politics than science. Consequently, focusing on this narrative risks undermining trust in public health institutions and diverts attention from the urgent need to improve future pandemic preparedness.
Congress Must Immediately Reject Trump’s Harmful, Anti-Science Budget
Union of Concerned Scientists | May 02, 2025 Read More
By slashing funds for vital agencies, President Trump's proposed budget undermines science-based policymaking. Congress must reject these cuts to protect public health, the environment, and scientific integrity.
TAKE ACTION & RESOURCE FOR ACTIVISTS
Reject Anti-Science Attacks in the Budget Bill
Union of Concerned Scientists | May 20, 2025 Read More
Send a message to your legislators opposing the recently proposed budget cuts that threaten scientific research and environmental protections. Maintaining funding for science-based policies and programs is essential for the future of the country.
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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