A new organization was launched yesterday Scientists and Engineers for America, dedicated to electing public officials who respect evidence and understand the importance of using scientific and engineering advice in making public policy. The group was organized by scientists and former nobel laureates, and other citizens.

According to SEA, “scientists and engineers have a right, indeed an obligation, to enter the political debate when the nation’s leaders systematically ignore scientific evidence and analysis, put ideological interests ahead of scientific truths, suppress valid scientific evidence and harass and threaten scientists for speaking honestly about their research.”

The group will watch key federal and state political races in which science plays a prominent role. They cited the race for senator in Virginia where there is a stem cell issue on the ballot, and also a race in Ohio in which a question on intelligent design is being raised. Form more on this link to the New York Times.

One of the major issues that prompted these scientists to act was the recent attitude of the Bush Administration to Climate Change. It became public record that the lawyers in the Administration changed scientific reports to fits with a ppoliical view, not based on evidence from research. Even the President got into the intelligent desing/evolution debate last year. And of course there is the issue of stem cell research, and abortion.

The SEA also has a list of Bill of Rights posted on its site which appears to be an attempt to hold the government accountable. The first one is: “Federal policy shall be made using the best available science and analysis both from within the government and from the rest of society.”

The scientists have spoken. This is a good thing.