The administration of George W. Bush has come under considerable fire for allegedly muffling its scientists over the years (you can start here, for example, and then follow the string). Apparently the Commerce Department is trying to set things straight before the president leaves office.

The department issued a memorandum last month indicating that many – but perhaps not all – weather and climate scientists within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are free to talk to the media. This according to the government watchdog Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which obtained and posted a copy of the email.

More specifically, the memorandum applies to employees represented by the National Weather Service Employees Organization, which represents not only the Weather Service but also some NOAA attorneys and hurricane researchers. As for oceanographers and other marine researchers, they will have to abide by the current policy and request permission before talking to reporters.

Or not.