Updates to this feature are currently paused as we assess the best way to monitor and expose the large number of attacks on science that we're seeing from the current administration.
Science is at the core of a healthy democracy. But for years, presidential administrations have, in differing ways, sidelined scientific evidence and attacked scientific integrity.
Below is a running list of attacks on science. They include disappearing data, silenced scientists, suppressed studies, and other assaults on science-based policy. The list provides a representative sample of threats to the federal scientific enterprise—and a warning of what we face in the future. More information can be found in our peer-reviewed study and in our data repository.
Attacks on science
Salmon Experts Pressured to Change Findings
Michael Kelly, a former biologist with the NMFS, blew the whistle on political interference with his team’s scientific findings on protections for the endangered coho salmon.
The EPA’s Elusive Climate Change Endangerment Report
The EPA's climate change endangerment report has been hindered by the government and industry associations misrepresenting scientific work
Prairie Dog Science Reversed by Interior Department Decree
Two species of prairie dogs were denied protection from extinction by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on political appointee Julie MacDonald's direction against FWS scientists' findings.
Science Undermined at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bush administration officials have demonstrated a serious disregard for scientific integrity by suppressing or distorting research by government scientists or contractors.
Should Air Pollution Rules Be Based on Politics?
An unnecessary EPA proposal would exclude staff scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency from helping to determine acceptable levels of air pollution.
Systematic Interference with Science at Interior Department Exposed
Emails and edited documents show evidence of systemic interference with science at the Interior Department with regard to the Endangered Species Act and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Safety Agency Hides Danger of All-Terrain Vehicles
A top Consumer Product Safety Commission official delayed a critical report on all-terrain vehicle safety and attempted to reverse its conclusion that ATVs were becoming more dangerous to ride.
Ketek: FDA Managers Value Drug Maker Relations Over Patient Safety
U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials ignored safety concerns raised by their own experts and hid evidence of clinical trial fraud when they approved the antibiotic Ketek(telithromycin) for streptococcus pneumonia in 2004.
Top FDA Official Approves Medical Device Despite Lack of Efficacy
In an extraordinary move, a top Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official approved a medical device against the unanimous opinion of his scientific staff in February 2006.
Navy Used Flawed Science to Justify New Atlantic Sonar Range
A U.S. Navy proposal to build an Atlantic sonar training range off the coast of North Carolina has used flawed science to downplay sonar’s often-fatal danger to whales, according to NOAA.
Related resources
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Scientific Society Sign-On Letter
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Cumulative Impacts: Recommendations for EPA
To improve environmental health, UCS prepared eight fact sheets summarizing the recommendations of the NEJAC Cumulative Impacts Workgroup to the EPA.
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Resources for Federal Scientists
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