Scott W. Tinker: On the politics of earthquakes and fracking, we need a radical middle

Scott Passmore, director of public works, checks on a solar powered seismic monitor that records earthquakes within the city limits of Reno, Texas in this 2014 photo. Southern Methodist University installed the monitoring device to better document the earthquakes in the area.
Scott Passmore, director of public works, checks on a solar powered seismic monitor that records earthquakes within the city limits of Reno, Texas in this 2014 photo. Southern Methodist University installed the monitoring device to better document the earthquakes in the area.

When did it become wrong to challenge science? There is a recent move to publicly bully, disparage and shame those who challenge a purported scientific consensus. It may feel satisfying in the short term to deal with the “deniers” via public belittling or even legal action, but in the long run, this tactic will erode the integrity of scientific institutions and the very process of science.

The Dallas Morning News, May 20, 2016

Austin American-Statesman, May 24, 2016

The Houston Chronicle, May 25, 2016

Featuring: Scott Tinker, Director, Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences