Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - The New York Times is reporting that, according to three people familiar with the discussion, the Secretary of Commerce threatened to fire top employees at NOAA on Friday after the agency’s Birmingham office contradicted President Trump’s claim that Hurricane Dorian might hit Alabama.
In Response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune Released the Following Statement:
“To maintain the dignity of the federal government and preserve the trust the American people have in essential nonpartisan scientific agencies like NOAA, Secretary Ross must immediately resign.
“Ross’ actions undermine scientific integrity within the Commerce Department for political purposes, and could erode trust in essential public health agencies. His actions, on behalf of Donald Trump, threatened to instill panic simply to give cover for Trump. Obviously, this shameless abuse of power could have devastating results now and in the future, demonstrating that Ross is unfit to continue in the cabinet and that he does not care that he is supposed to represent the American public above Trump’s fragile ego.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.