Advocate with SETAC
SETAC Advocacy Work
SETAC advocates for public policies that:
- Ensure support and funding for scientific research and the scientific workforce
- Support science-informed environmental management
- Support education and training in environmental sciences
- Protect scientific integrity and transparency
How SETAC Supports Scientific Advocacy
SETAC advocates for environmental science by:
- Providing communication tools. Our fact sheets translate complex issues into clear language to inform stakeholders.
- Organizing workshops and webinars. We bring together experts to develop solutions to urgent environmental challenges.
- Fostering strategic partnerships. We collaborate with other organizations to support policies aligned with our mission and values.
How Members Can Make a Difference with SETAC
Individual advocacy efforts strengthen our collective impact. Here are some ways you can advocate through SETAC:
- Use SETAC tools to engage locally. Leverage SETAC Fact Sheets when reaching out to policy and regulatory bodies in your region.
- Submit ideas and content. Suggest topics for Fact Sheets, webinars or workshops, and contribute articles or regulatory updates to the Globe.
- Participate in advocacy initiatives supported by SETAC. Join ongoing efforts promoted through SETAC News such as community sign-on letters, calls for individual advocacy, and rallies for science.
- Comment on regulatory proposals. Track regulatory proposals and open comment periods in you region and consider contributing insights or perspectives. Plan a workshop if you'd like to present consensus. Check the SETAC Globe “Regulatory Review” for updates from regulatory bodies around the world.
Region-Specific Resources
Europe
- Keep track of consultations from European Chemical Agency (ECHA).
United States
- Keep track of proposed rules in the Federal Register.
- Find your congress members by zip code.
- Use talking points. See AGU tips for crafting a message to policymakers.
Recent Activities
United States
Letters to U.S. Government Leaders Co-Filed by SETAC North America
- June 2026: Letter requesting an extension of the comment deadline for the Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance by 45 days, sent to the Director of the US Office of Management and Budget at the White House.
- May 2026: Letter regarding proposed closures, consolidations and reorganization of multiple federal research facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and particularly, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), sent to Congressional Committees on Energy and Natural Resources
- May 2026: Letter urging congress to support and fund the National Science Foundation (NSF) at the highest levels possible in the Fiscal Year 2027 budgetary process, sent to Congressional Committees on Appropriations urging
- May 2026: Open Letter to Congress Demanding the Restoration of the National Science Board (NSB).
- March 2026: Letters supporting budget appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science and Technology (S&T) account including the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, sent to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
- March 2026: Letter regarding the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Federal Priority Streamgages (FPS) Network and Cooperative Matching Funds (CMF) Program, sent to the Congressional Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
- August 2025: Letter regarding the Executive Order on Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking to express concerns and urge Congress to ensure independent peer -review, insulate funding from political pressure and work with the scientific community on these issues, sent to the House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.
- May 2025: Letter on Restoring the Gold Standard in Science to underscore a vital point, that the gold standard for science exists, and its success is demonstrated in every facet of American life and readiness of the scientific community to engage in constructive dialogue with the Executive Office of the President, Congress, and all relevant federal agencies on the issue, sent to Michael Kratsios, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy for the White House.
- June 2025: Letter in Response to Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service, sent to the Office of Personnel Management.
- June 2025: Letter urging Congress to reject the proposed 38% cut to the National Institutes of Health budget included in the president’s fiscal year 2026 budget, sent to the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
- May 2025: Letter urging Congress to support the National Science Foundation and exercise their oversight authority, sent to the U.S. Senate and House Committees on Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology.
- May 2025: Letter in support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), sent to the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
- May 2025: Letter urging for Transparency and Oversight Regarding Agency Reduction-in-Force and Reorganization Plans Affecting Scientific and Health Priorities, sent to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finances and the U.S. House Committees on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
- April 2025: Letter in support of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), sent to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
- April 2025: Letter in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Science and Technology Account for fiscal year 2026, sent to the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
- April 2025: Letter of concern over the fiscal year 2026 budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, sent to the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
- April 2025: Letter Urging Reconsideration of Policy Changes That Threaten Public Health, the Environment, and Economic Stability, sent to the U.S. Senate and House Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
- March 2025: Letter regarding Protecting U.S. Scientific Research and Integrity, sent to the U.S. congressional leaders from both parties.
- February 2025: Letter recommending Prioritization of Robust Funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the fiscal year 2025 Appropriations Bill, sent to the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
Amicus Briefs to U.S. Courts Co-Filed by SETAC North America
- May 2025: Amici curiae that urges the court to grant preliminary injunction against the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) termination of the Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) grant program – a program that supports excellent researchers and promotes diversity in the biomedical sciences, sent on 2 May.
Recent SETAC News
We Want to Hear from You
Help us strengthen our global impact by sharing your ideas, experiences or region-specific insights. Whether it’s a regulatory update, local advocacy success, or new environmental challenge your community is facing—we welcome your input. You can reach us at [email protected].