Obama’s flunking science

I would like to thank you for calling attention to the shortcomings of the Obama administration in choosing politics over science (Gary Crooks’ Smart Bombs, Jan. 10).

You mentioned Yucca Mountain in Nevada as an example, but there is an issue even closer to home: the failure of the Obama administration to support an effective recovery plan for endangered Columbia and Snake River salmon and steelhead.

After a decade of court battles and wasting 8 billion taxpayer dollars, the federal government has failed to produce a legal plan that effectively protects salmon. Sadly, the Obama administration has disappointed the people of the Northwest by failing to create a plan that follows a large body of science in order to restore this precious resource for our economy, cultural identity and enjoyment.

District Court Judge James Redden is soon to rule on the Bush-era plan with a few tack-ons provided by the administration. Area fishermen, biologists and conservationists agree that the best way to salvage this disaster is to remove the four outdated and expensive dams on the Lower Snake River. Although it is early in the term, the Obama administration has not measured up to his campaign promises for science over politics.

Asia Hege

Spokane