FAS Statement on Michael Kratsios’ OSTP Hearing
Yesterday, Michael Kratsios, the president’s nominee to be director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), repeatedly stressed his belief in the importance of continuing the United States’ historic leadership in science and technological innovation, and the goal of “ensuring that all Americans benefit from scientific and technological advances.”
Mr. Kratsios’ words, along with his track record and OSTP experience as U.S. Chief Technology Officer, offer encouragement that our community can continue to work constructively with him and the important office he would lead.
With so much at stake, we cannot afford to cede science and technological leadership or its underpinnings: foundational federal R&D investments, growing STEM talent pipelines, and the best scientific and technical expertise to support policymakers. Commitment to these things are the basis for a healthy and thriving society.
This is bigger than a singular elimination of race and ethnicity questions. It could accelerate the second wave of widespread reductions to demographic data, leaving public health officials with even less information to deliver better health outcomes for all Americans.
Soft law was never meant to be a permanent solution. Treating it as one, and letting the sandcastle stand in for the skyscraper indefinitely, is how we end up with a decade of voluntary commitments and no enforceable accountability to show for it.
FAS has partnered with ICLEI USA to launch the CRI Local Advisory Council.
We sat down with Dr. Max Moritz and Chief Rob Hazard to discuss how communities use time, money, and data to reduce the risk that wildfires pose.