Energy, Environment, and Conservation
- The final language of the new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule has been published, meaning that the rule will go into effect in 60 days. However, the rule is expected to be litigated which will delay implementation. These lawsuits will be regional, so the implementation of the rule will depend on whether a judge puts a stay on the rule for that region. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the new rule provides “regulatory certainty and predictability” despite the fact that the Obama-era version of the rule was also litigated, but never completely thrown out, leaving open the possibility of some regions complying with the Obama rule and others with the Trump rule. The EPA’s own Science Advisory Board previously released a statement saying the new rule contradicts current research (EE News).
Higher Education and Academia
- The University of Arizona has announced employee furlough and pay reduction due to extreme financial crisis from the coronavirus epidemic. Employees will be furloughed without pay to reduce costs for the university. This is one of the first universities to announce pay cuts for employees due to the economic downturn (University of Arizona).
Federal Agencies
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is gathering a committee to develop a systems approach, strategy, and overall vision for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study the earth. Experts in social, biological, computer, economic, engineering, and earth sciences are needed for the committee. Action: submit nominations to the NASEM committee here by May 13, 2020.
- Congress passed the largest stimulus package in US history last month: the third coronavirus-related package. Included in the $2 trillion bill is $4.3 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and $1.25 billion to other federal research agencies. This includes $76 million for the National Science Foundation, $945.5 million for the National Institutes of Health, and $20 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Department of Education will also receive $30.9 billion for public schools, school districts, and institutes of higher education (AIBS).
Public Health
- The director of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) was reassigned this week by the Trump Administration after he says he refused to direct money towards the study of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug promoted by President Trump as a coronavirus treatment. Rick Bright, who has a PhD in immunology and molecular pathogenesis, says he insisted government money be spent on safe and scientifically-vetted solutions rather than “potentially dangerous drugs promoted by those with political connections.” President Trump recommended that people take the drug, which has been shown to have potentially harmful effects but has not been thoroughly studied. Dr. Bright’ lawyers said the change in his position is “retaliation, plain and simple” (New York Times).
Climate Change
- The price of oil has now dropped into negative territory for the first time ever. The price of west Texas crude was $18 per barrel on April 17, 2020 and by April 20 it was -$37.63, meaning it is expected that oil producers will have to pay for oil to be taken off their hands. It is estimated the state of Texas loses $85 million in revenue for every $1 drop in oil prices. Oil storage capacity in the United States is now about 60% full (Texas Tribune; New York Times).
Texas News
- Abortion care has resumed in Texas, after the state did not dispute that abortion clinics could meet loosened restrictions announced by Governor Greg Abbott that took effect on April 22nd. State lawyers said there was no longer any “case or controversy” to prevent abortion services (Texas Tribune).
- The Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas drilling in the state, has decided they will not reduce oil production in the state, but instead created a “task force” to investigate the issue. Commissioner Christi Craddick, who owns significant oil interests, said reducing production might be illegal. Jointly with other oil producing countries, the US has agreed to reduce oil production by 9.7 million barrels a day (Texas Tribune).
Austin Science Advocates 