UCS Success Stories
Department of Interior Responds on Scientific Integrity
We asked UCS supporters to submit comments regarding the Department of the Interior’s (DOI’s) draft scientific integrity policy, in September of 2010. The policy would have done little to prevent the kind of manipulation and distortion of science that has skewed decisions on everything from underwater oil drilling to endangered species.
Just eight days after the comment period closed—after receiving more than ten thousand comments from UCS supporters—we heard from DOI that all of our comments had been considered and that we would see action soon. Twenty-four hours later, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar released an order on scientific integrity that addresses most of the issues we raised. Read our reaction here.
According to staff at the DOI, they relied heavily upon our input in shaping the new policy, and it’s clear that this public pressure convinced them to do the right thing. Together, we made sure the DOI heard loud and clear that the public supports strong actions to protect government science.
