Climate and Science Research Funding      

The topic that I had intended for this month, discussing further applications of sound wave energy research, can wait a short while. Since I usually focus on environmental, energy, climate, and biodiversity issues, recent events seem too important and threatening to ignore.      

In its first 100 days, the federal administration has dramatically altered America's environmental policy direction. For Louisiana businesses that depend on climate stability, resource management, and research partnerships, these changes certainly deserve attention.

What's Happening?

The administration has initiated approximately 100 policy changes affecting environmental regulations and climate initiatives. Some of the most significant ones for our region include:

• Opening coastal areas to expanded offshore drilling
• Expediting fossil fuel project permits with reduced environmental review requirements
• Freezing unspent climate and clean energy investment funds
• Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement
• Terminating programs like the American Climate Corps that created jobs in environmental protection

• Removing nearly 400 scientists from the National Climate Assessment (a crucial planning tool for businesses preparing for climate impacts).

Troubling news accounts have also been published. A leaked government memo in March carried on The More Perfect Union website described that staff at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the research wing of the USDA overseeing over 600 research projects and 2,000 scientists, were sent a long list of words and phrases by Sharon Strickland, the Northeast Area Section Head at ARS. They were informed not to use specific terms in certain official contexts. “Safe drinking water,” “greenhouse gas emissions,” and “climate change” were a few of the 100+ words and phrases banned there.  

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition reported on April 30 that more than 6 billion dollars of lawfully obligated USDA funding have been frozen or terminated in the last three months. While the agency has still not made public the full scope of what remains frozen or targeted for termination, the harm to communities and farmers is already clear. Many projects that protect or strengthen rural economies are now in limbo.

Our state's economy uniquely depends on both energy production and environmental stability. Louisiana businesses and residences face greater challenges than many other states from flooding, drought, and extreme weather. Critical for research and innovation are LSU, its Ag Center, and our other state research universities that help create jobs and spur business startups. They depend partially on federal funding.  

The USA appears to be facing a potential "brain drain" as researchers seek positions abroad. For example, Aix-Marseille University in France launched the "Safe Place for Science" initiative earlier this year, offering three-year funded placements for approximately 20 researchers. The program aims to support scholars facing budget cuts and policy changes that have disrupted U.S. academic institutions. it’s been reported that nearly 300 scholars currently working in the United States have applied for positions there.

Since World War II, the vital relationships linking our federal government, academic research institutions, and private industry have resulted in massive economic gains and employment opportunities for Americans. There seems to be increasing fear recently that federal administration policies that cut funding to research institutions will undermine our progress in diverse fields of scientific knowledge, beyond just the environment and climate change.  

Decreased federal government support for environmental and climate science don’t accurately reflect American attitudes. Recent Gallup polling shows 57% of Americans believe the government is doing too little to protect the environment, with 62% saying environmental conditions are worsening.

What Can Regional Businesses Do?

1. Strengthen university partnerships now to support valuable research that benefits specific industries
2. Carefully consider environmental compliance strategies rather than assuming regulations will permanently loosen
3. Watch global competitiveness signals, especially as countries like China are increasing clean energy investments
4. Engage in policy discussions through business associations to ensure regional economic interests are represented

Most Americans understand the need for responsible regulatory reforms that eliminate waste and inefficiency in federal spending. The threat is that sweeping policy reversals, rather than targeted improvements, will ultimately harm Louisiana's distinctive economy that depends on both resource development and environmental resilience.

Potential economic consequences due to proposed tariffs and supply chain reactions have obviously attracted a lot of recent attention. Reductions in federal funding levels for climate and science research can also contribute to market uncertainty and negatives for regional businesses striving to stay competitive. Business leaders need to stay informed and prepared to adapt in uncertain times. They and others in the state should also strongly express their viewpoints on these shifting economic and environmental policies.