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Forrest M. Mims III
At the 2005 Third Citizen Science Conference at the University
of Nevada, Dr.
John Lighton presented a paper entitled, "The
Citizen Scientist and Environmental Regulations: Making
Measurements That Make a Difference." This paper
describes the problems involved in conducting scientific
monitoring of a major neighborhood nuisance, not the
least of which is persuading the authorities there is
a problem worthy of their consideration. Dr. Lighton's
experience is instructive, for it demonstrates the difficulty
citizens often experience when they petition the authorities
to enforce even seemingly routine environmental regulations.
As most everyone knows, environmental
regulations are often highly controversial. The science
underlying some environmental laws and regulations is
sometimes hopelessly out of date or based more on various
agendas than on sound science. Yet, in the final analysis,
no one wants to drink dirty water, eat contaminated
food or breathe foul air. Nor do most people want to
have their senses saturated by noxious odors and loud
sounds.
Regulatory science is often very different
from the kind of science that you and I practice. Modeling
is key to some kinds of regulatory environmental science,
especially that pertaining to air quality. You can learn
more about the vagaries of modeling by reading George
Hrabovsky's thoughts on the subject in "Secrets
of a Theorist 3: Computer Models" (The Citizen
Scientist, 28 January 2005).
Meanwhile, if you were unable to hear
John Lighton's talk at the Third Citizen Science Conference,
I encourage you to take a few minutes to review his
Power
Point presentation. It will be well worth your time
to read a scientist's response to a major environmental
intrusion. 
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