November 28, 2022

CSLDF at the 2022 AGU Fall Meeting

Posted by Caitlin Bergstrom

The Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) and AGU work together to help geoscientists understand their legal rights and responsibilities—knowledge that’s an essential part of every researcher’s professional development.

This year, we’re offering a range of events at AGU’s 2022 Fall Meeting. Whether you’re actively involved in scientific and political activism or curious about how scientists can be involved in government rulemaking, we encourage you to participate in these events and increase your legal knowledge.

Free Legal Advice for Scientists

CSLDF attorneys are providing free, confidential legal consultations to scientists from all disciplines who have legal questions or concerns related to their work; these will be held over Zoom or on the phone. Use this link or email [email protected] to make a 30 minute appointment.

How Scientists Can Be Involved in Scientific and Political Activism, Town Hall, Tuesday 6 Dec from 10:00am-11:00am CT

In this session, CSLDF lawyers will discuss different ways scientists can apply their expertise towards the policy and lawmaking process, both as scientists and as private citizens. In particular, we will explain how scientists can actively participate in the administrative regulatory process (including why it is useful for them to do so) and how scientists can engage with Congress on legislative matters, as well as other avenues for change. We will also cover general First Amendment rights as they pertain to scientists, including how scientists can safely participate in activism.

Finally, we will discuss how scientists can most effectively engage in advocacy efforts while minimizing any potential negative repercussions.

How Scientists Can Engage in Government Rulemaking, Monday 12 Dec from 9:40am-9:50am CT

As scientists and other technical experts are increasingly interested in public policy, the government rulemaking process offers an important opportunity to become involved.

In this informal workshop, CSLDF attorneys will discuss what rulemaking—in particular, the public “notice-and-comment” process—entails, and why engaging in this process is important for scientists who want to effect policy change on important issues such as climate change or environmental protections.

We will also cover the specifics of engaging in the notice-and-comment process at a practical level, including best practices for drafting and submitting comments, particularly for scientists who receive federal or state funding.

Learn More About CSLDF

CSLDF protects the scientific endeavor by providing free legal aid and educational resources to scientists. Visit www.csldf.org and follow @ClimSciDefense on Twitter to find out how you can help us defend academic freedom and scientific integrity.