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The Advancenient of Sound Science Coalition ` 1 AS S C Dedtcated to Ensurcng the use of Sound Sccence zn Publtc Poltcy Dectscons P.O. Box 18432 ! Washington, DC 20036 / Fax: (800) 251-5253 / Tel: (800) 369-6608 Chairman Garrey Carruthers, Ph.D. Governor of New Mexico 1987-1990 Gary L. Huber, MD University of Texas Health Science Center-Tyler P.O. Box 2003 Tyler, TX 75710 Dear Dr. Huber: May 21, 1993 I am creating a coalition of scientists, academicians, former public officials, and representatives from business and industry, concerned about the advancement of sound science. The name of this coalition is The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition (TASSC), and its goal is to advance the principles of science used to formulate public policy. As a scientist, you know firsthand we need to advance sound science in the formation of public policy. Too often, studies based on unsound scientific principles drive the public policy process, which in turn results in unforeseen negative consequences. However, we also know that when quality science is the basis for public policy decisions, our lives are vastly improved. As a professor and an economist at New Mexico State University, I was involved in research. I have worked in business and public policy sectors. Based on my experience, I believe that good science is not used consistently in the formulation of public policy. I have always advocated the need for greater use of good science in government policy, and I believe that scientists should have an important voice in public policy. The need to promote the principles of science in public policy prompts me to write this letter and ask you to join TASSC. With your help, TASSC can take specific measures to help achieve our goals. As the enclosed description of TASSC indicates, we plan to establish a set of principles that can help guide the use of good science in public policy. We want to educate the public as to what constitutes the appropriate use of science in public policy. Finally, we intend to serve as a forum for legitimate views about the use of science in the public policy process and provide you with a means to help bridge the gap between science and policy makers.

-2- I know we are in agreement as to the advancement of sound science in public policy. Therefore, I hope you will }oin me and other scientific colleagues in the initial stages of creating TASSC, so that we can ensure the use of sound science in public policy today, and a _ better quality of life for all in the future. Please complete the enclosed Statement of Support, and let me know that I can count on your assistance. Should you have any questions about TASSC, please do not hesitate to contact Sheri Kesser at (202) 778-1090. I look forward to working with you on this effort in the near future. Garrey Camtthers j 'I- Enclosures