Representative Scott H. Peters (D-CA-50)

Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis. Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search. Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page. All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified. This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.

Overall Summary

Representative Peters' background as an environmental economist and lawyer, coupled with his legislative focus on climate change, strongly aligns with NASA's Earth science activities, which benefit his district through significant contracts and grants to local institutions. He is a consistent advocate for federal scientific research and development, viewing it as crucial for San Diego's innovation ecosystem and American competitiveness.

However, his lack of a direct committee assignment overseeing space policy limits his legislative leverage, and his emphasis on fiscal responsibility may lead to caution regarding substantial budget increases. While his support for Earth science is clear, advocates will need to make a compelling case for the broader Science Mission Directorate, including planetary, astrophysics, and biological and physical sciences, to counter the proposed 47% budget cut.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider how specific NASA science investments in his district, such as those at General Atomics for lidar Earth observation or UCSD for atmospheric gases, directly contribute to his legislative focus on climate change and clean energy technologies.
• Explore how increased NASA science investment could further strengthen San Diego's innovation ecosystem and job growth, aligning with his stated support for federal scientific research and leveraging existing district contracts.
• Look into how to articulate the broader economic and societal returns on investment from NASA's diverse science portfolio. This can demonstrate how even non-Earth science missions contribute to American competitiveness and innovation, aligning with his support for federal scientific research.

About Scott H. Peters

• Received undergraduate degree from Duke University and J.D. from NYU School of Law.
• Served as an economist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Worked as an attorney specializing in environmental law.
• Held local elected office on San Diego City Council and Port Commission.
• Has a legislative focus on climate change and clean energy technologies.

Opportunities

• Environmental and Climate Focus: Representative Peters' background as an economist for the EPA and an environmental lawyer, coupled with his legislative focus on climate change and clean energy, indicates a strong alignment with NASA's Earth science activities. He has actively worked on policies to reduce climate pollution and build a clean energy economy. (Scott Peters for Congress, N.D.)

• Significant Local NASA Earth Science Investment: His district benefits from substantial NASA contracts and grants, including over $6.5 million to the University of California San Diego for Earth system explorers, atmospheric gases, and climate modeling, and a $1.5 million grant to General Atomics for space-based lidar Earth observation missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Advocacy for Federal Scientific Research Funding: Representative Peters is a vocal advocate for increased federal investment in basic scientific research, emphasizing its importance for San Diego's innovation ecosystem and opposing proposed cuts to agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (United States Congressman Scott Peters Press Release, 2025-03-03)

• Bipartisan Collaboration on Climate and Energy: He has demonstrated a capacity for bipartisan work on climate and energy issues, co-sponsoring the PROVE IT Act with a Republican colleague in 2024 and collaborating on permitting reform for clean energy infrastructure. (Latitude Media, 2024-07-19; United States Congressman Scott Peters Press Release, 2024-07-22)

• General Support for Research and Development: Representative Peters consistently supports investment in research and development, viewing it as crucial for American competitiveness, job creation, and improving San Diego's profile as an innovation hub. (Scott Peters for Congress, N.D.)

Challenges

• Lack of Direct Space Committee Assignment: Representative Peters does not hold a current assignment on a House committee directly overseeing space policy, which may limit his direct legislative influence on NASA's budget and programs. (Authoritative Committee Data)
• Emphasis on Fiscal Responsibility: Representative Peters has stated a priority for "getting our fiscal house in order" and reviewing government spending, which could lead to a cautious approach to increasing federal budgets, including for NASA science.
• Primary Legislative Focus on Climate and Energy: Representative Peters' legislative record and public statements heavily emphasize climate change, clean energy, and environmental protection, which, while aligning with NASA's Earth science, may lead to less dedicated advocacy for other NASA Science Mission Directorate activities like planetary science or astrophysics. [cite: Biography, 5, 10]