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
Trump Administration Disavows Own Meteorologists for Issuing Factual Statement on Hurricane Dorian
White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, ordered Wilbur Ross to make sure that NWS forecasters not contradict the President even when he is wrong.
The US Navy Quietly Shut Down its Task Force on Climate Change
The US Navy has dismantled its Task Force on Climate Change.
DOI Scientists Ignored in Northern California Dam Project
The DOI ignored its own scientists and approved a project to raise the height of California’s Shasta Dam despite the large impact it would have on ecology of the region.
Staff at HHS were unable to talk about gun violence research after two mass shootings
After El Paso and Dayton shootings, the HHS issued a directive warning staff to obtain approval before posting anything on social media related to mental health, violence, or mass shootings.
Staff at the National Park Service are restricted from providing evidence-based public comments
NPS acting deputy director, David Vela, has issued a memo that requires that NPS staff to seek permission if they want to submit public comments on policies at other federal agencies.
The USDA Dismantled Health and Safety Protections at Pork Manufacturing Plants
The USDA failed to use the best available science when finalizing a new pork inspection rule.
The Department of the Interior Dismantled the Endangered Species Act
The Department of the Interior (DOI) dismantled the role of science in informing protections for endangered and threatened species.
The EPA Rolls Back Protections for Alaska’s Waterways from Mining Activities
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sidelined its own scientific assessment showing that the development of Pebble Mine, a proposed mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska would harm the area’s ecosystem.
USDA Buries Sweeping Plan Prioritizing Climate Science
The USDA prevented the release of a plan for how the agency can effectively respond to the impacts of climate change.
EPA Stops Collecting Data on Pollutants Released from Farms
EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler exempted farms from reporting hazardous air emissions from animal waste.
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