Science in grassroots advocacy: SPI-DAC connects scientists and engineers with experienced environmental advocates

Abstract:

Partnerships between scientists and experienced environmental advocates can enhance implementation of science in environmental decision making, from policy-making to legal judgments. The Science Policy Initiative – Direct Advocacy Committee (SPI-DAC) is a graduate student group dedicated to providing science background for community-driven environmental advocacy. We partner with nonprofits and legal teams to identify evidence-based advocacy issues, then perform an independent scientific assessment of the issue and submit our results to the public record through appropriate outlets. By leveraging the law and policy expertise of our partners, our knowledge and research skills are applied directly in advocacy efforts. Thus far, our work has been applied in advocating for regulation of emerging contaminants and analysis of the impacts of two natural gas pipelines. SPI-DAC’s work has revealed synergies and obstacles for partnerships between advocates and scientists, and our program has developed into a rigorous science advocacy training program, with real-world results.