URGENT UPDATE: Ohio residents are calling on Governor Mike DeWine to prioritize scientific integrity in policymaking as the Trump administration continues to undermine research and public health. In a poignant letter to the editor published recently, local advocate Wendy A. Turrell from Akron emphasizes the alarming trend of anti-science measures taken by the federal government.
In less than a year, the Trump administration has reportedly dismantled vital scientific agencies and frozen over $1 billion essential for research and public health. Turrell’s letter highlights the administration’s drastic actions, including the dismissal of hundreds of thousands of dedicated civil servants and the erosion of pollution standards that protect communities and the environment.
The letter states that the administration has “gutted pollution standards” and spread misinformation about climate science, all while prioritizing fossil fuel profits over the well-being of Americans. Turrell argues that such measures not only threaten public health but also undermine democracy itself, as they seek to establish a single narrative that dismisses independent scientific findings.
Turrell urges Ohio’s leaders, particularly Governor DeWine, to adhere to the best available science in their decision-making processes. She cites the Constitution, which promotes “the progress of Science,” underscoring its significance for both quality of life and national competitiveness.
As the situation develops, it is essential for Ohio residents and policymakers to advocate for scientific integrity at all levels—local, state, and national. The call to action comes at a crucial time, as public health and environmental standards face unprecedented challenges.
Residents are encouraged to share Turrell’s letter and engage in discussions about the importance of science in governance. The growing movement demands that officials prioritize evidence-based policies to safeguard public health and the environment amidst ongoing federal actions that threaten these pillars of society.
As this issue continues to unfold, all eyes are on Ohio’s leadership to see if they will rise to the occasion and defend the values enshrined in the Constitution. What happens next could have lasting implications for the state—and the nation.
