As envisioned, this new government entity would benefit the nation and scientists in several ways. It would lead to more research that could provide answers to the many thorny environmental questions that policymakers face. It would offer investigators a central source of support for environmental projects, particularly interdisciplinary efforts, eliminating the need to peddle their ideas to a dozen agencies. And by emphasizing dissemination of data as one of its missions, the institute would make the information generated by these scientists more accessible to others.
But even as proponents make their case, they are beginning to real-ize that the complexities of Washington politics pose as much of a test for their skills as do the dynamics of the ecosystems they study. An environmental institute would require shifts in power and resources within science and the federal government. For example, this institute would provide more money and a greater role for ...
