Jay Vroom, president of
CropLife America, which represents the pesticide industry,
says nominee Sam Clovis Jr. “understands the importance of
relying on sound science and data to make important
decisions that will affect the ability of growers to provide
food for the U.S. and the world.”
Clovis has drawn sharp
criticism since his nomination in July for lacking
hard-science credentials and for his skepticism about the
scientific consensus on human-caused climate change. If
confirmed by the Senate, he would control nearly $3 billion
a year in research grants and serve as the USDA’s top
scientist.
Senate Democrats vehemently
oppose the appointment of Clovis to be USDA’s undersecretary
for research, education and economics. They plan to wage an
all-out battle this fall when the Senate considers the
nomination.
“This nominee seems to lack
the necessary agricultural science and research
qualifications that are required” for a top-level science
position, says Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, the top
Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Environmental and other
left-leaning groups have also seized on Clovis’ weak
credentials to attack his nomination. “Clovis’s appointment
is unacceptable and would lower the high standards that
America’s scientists, universities, farmers and consumers
expect,” says Mike Lavender of the Union of Concerned
Scientists.
Clovis currently serves as
the senior White House adviser to USDA.