Obama cabinet picks vow to strengthen role of science.(FROM THE HILL)(Barack Obama)

Key members of President Obama's new cabinet are stressing the importance of science in developing policy as well as the need for scientific integrity and transparency in decisionmaking.

In one of his first speeches, Ken Salazar, the new Department staff that he would lead with "openness in decisionmaking, high ethical standards, and respect to scientific integrity." He said decisions will be based on sound science and the public interest, not special interests.

Lisa Jackson, the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said at there confirmation hearing that "science must be the backbone of what EPA dose." Addressing recent criticism of scientific integrity at the EPA, she said that "political appointees will not compromise the integrity of EPA's technical experts to advance particular regulatory outcome."

In a memo to EPA employees, Jackson noted, "I will ensure EPA's efforts to address the environmental crises of today are rooted in three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule of law, and overwhelming transparency." The memo outlined five priority areas: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, ...