The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC), on March 6, 2013, submitted a letter to the White House Science Advisor, Dr. John Holdren (OSTP), objecting to Dr. Goodman’s recently submitted Scientific Misconduct Complaint.
Earlier today, Dr. Goodman submitted a comprehensive rebuttal to the EAC’s letter (submitted to OSTP by NPCA’s Neal Desai).
From the introduction to Dr. Goodman’s letter:
On March 4, 2013, I asked OSTP to establish and oversee a high-level investigation of scientific misconduct involving three federal agencies (NPS, USGS, and MMC), all linked to misconduct by NPS. I wrote that scientific misconduct emanating from NPS threatens to undermine one of the hallmarks of your tenure as OSTP Director: the establishment and implementation of President Obama’s Policy on Scientific Integrity.
My submission has come under attack by the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) and others who do not share our view that the scientific method is core to the strength of our nation. Rather, they have an ideology and pre-determined agenda for which the ends justify the means. What we as scientists rely on as facts and data, they see as simply fungible inconveniences. If the real data get in the way, they can be changed as they wish. To them, data are a means to an end.
For NPS and their supporters, this is ideology, not science. Their goal is to get rid of the oyster farm from Drakes Estero by any means necessary. They are oblivious or are unconcerned that their false science also threatens the shellfish industry nationally and internationally, in contrast to a large body of good science showing that shellfish aquaculture is environmentally beneficial. Their agenda is to turn Drakes Estero into ‘wilderness’ – whatever the cost or collateral damage.
From the conclusion of Dr. Goodman’s letter:
This issue before OSTP is not about an oyster farm, and it is not about oysters or harbor seals. It is also, in contrast to what EAC wrote to you, neither about the Secretary’s decision, nor the Federal Court rulings. Rather, it is about whether we as a nation are truly committed to returning science to its rightful place in the federal government.
For the complete text of Dr. Goodman’s letter click the link below.
CSG letter to Holdren 03_11_13
Drakes Bay Oyster Company & the National Park Service. Watch the video, "THE FRAMING OF AN OYSTER FARM" at http://vimeo.com/52331881 
M
/ March 13, 2013David,
Back in the late ’60s, I was a member of the EAC. In those days it was run by a man named Jerry Friedman, who I think must be rolling in his grave right now. There was no “hired gun” like Amy Trainer, and the organization was more an advocate for the agricultural nature of West Marin against newcomers like NPS than anything else. Amy Trainer’s language and accusations are so inflammatory and sophomoric that, to me, it is a wonder that anyone listens to her, but unfortunately they do. I am just eternally grateful that you, Dr Goodman, and a few others, continue to pursue this so carefully and relentlessly. The EAC just wants their private kayak park, and may even target the kayak concessionaires at some point, who all support the DBOC. It amazes me that such a small organization such as the EAC, with what it has become, can cause so much damage to open dialogue and the truth.
Stand tall
M
/ March 13, 2013Back in the late ’60s, I was a member of the EAC. In those days it was run by a man named Jerry Friedman, who I think must be rolling in his grave right now. There was no “hired gun” like Amy Trainer, and the organization was more an advocate for the agricultural nature of West Marin against newcomers like NPS than anything else. Amy Trainer’s language and accusations are so inflammatory and sophomoric that, to me, it is a wonder that anyone listens to her, but unfortunately they do. I am just eternally grateful that you, Dr Goodman, and a few others, continue to pursue this so carefully and relentlessly. The EAC just wants their private kayak park, and may even target the kayak concessionaires at some point, who all support the DBOC. It amazes me that such a small organization such as the EAC, with what it has become, can cause so much damage to open dialogue and the truth.
Jane Gyorgy
/ March 14, 2013And such a sad commentary on once venerable environmental groups to have been commandeered by a few shortsighted elitists who have gained full control of such groups!