Through the pilot project, eight scientists and engineers in the region will work on policy matters related to biodiversity, climate change, reducing disaster risks, health, and water management.

Misconceptions about the effect of environmental regulations on the economy and jobs are complicating federal efforts to create sound environmental policies, according to panelists at the 38th Annual AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy.

The polarized debate over regulations pits environmentalists against economists and does little to help lawmakers and the public understand environmental policy, the experts said during a panel discussion.

The U.S. political landscape has changed dramatically over the last 15 to 20 years, leading to a sharp polarization of the two main parties and to new challenges in developing effective science policy, political science expert Norman Ornstein told a AAAS audience.