An unprecedented level of political interference threatens the integrity of government science. Because policy makers depend on impartial research to make informed decisions, we are mobilizing scientists and citizens alike to push for reforms that will protect our health, safety, and environment.

Interference at the EPA
A new UCS investigation of the Environmental Protection Agency reveals an agency under siege: hundreds of scientists reported political interference in their work, significant barriers to the free communication of scientific results, and concerns about the agency's effectiveness. The investigation combines dozens of interviews with current and former EPA staff, analysis of government documents, and survey responses from 1,586 EPA scientists. UCS Senior Scientist Francesca Grifo recently testified at a Senate hearing about the impact of interference on EPA science and regulatory decisions. Additional hearings are expected to be announced soon.

Oversight of EPA Library Closures
UCS Senior Scientist Francesca Grifo testified at a Congressional hearing on the impact of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2006 decision to close or reduce access to parts of its library network. The hearing reviewed a new Government Accountability Office report criticizing the way EPA handled the closures. Dr. Grifo discussed an independent UCS investigation showing that hundreds of EPA scientists believe the library closures impaired their work to protect our nation's health, safety, and environment.

Scientific Freedom and the Public Good
Prominent scientists have issued a call to action urging the next president and Congress to end political interference in science and establish conditions that would allow federal science to flourish. And a new UCS report recommends steps the next president can take to restore scientific integrity to federal policymaking, highlighting recent systemic changes that make it more difficult for agencies to protect our health, safety, and environment. Nearly 15,000 scientists have called for reform since 2004.

Scientific Integrity and the Presidential Election
The 2008 presidential election offers an important forum for engaging candidates and the media on the issue of political interference in science.  Check out our suggestions for how to get involved.

Congress Improves FDA Drug Approval Process
Congress has given final approval to the Food and Drug Administration Revitalization Act, which will hold the FDA more accountable for the drugs it approves. A year ago, when UCS surveyed nearly 1,000 FDA scientists, 20 percent reported that they had been asked by their supervisors to provide the public, the news media, and government officials "incomplete, inaccurate or misleading information."

Engaging Students on Scientific Integrity
UCS has launched its Scientific Integrity Curriculum Guide. This comprehensive guide is designed to help undergraduate and advanced high school instructors teach this complex subject by fostering thoughtful discussions about the proper role of science in federal policy making in the classroom. The guide includes lesson slides, worksheets, homework assignments, and essay suggestions.     

Scientific Integrity Update
With the recent headlines about contaminated toys, UCS policy experts worked to improve scientific integrity at the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Several imperiled species are getting another chance after UCS exposed a political appointee who was distorting scientific documents, and, thanks in part to thousands of calls from UCS supporters, the EPA libraries have been given new life as well. More...

Evidence of Political Interference in Science
From air pollution to Ground Zero, the A to Z Guide to Political Interference in Science showcases dozens of examples of the misuse of science on issues like childhood lead poisoning, toxic mercury contamination, and endangered species. 

Surveys of Federal Government Scientists
To help document the level and impact of political interference in science at federal agencies, UCS has launched a series of surveys of federal agency scientists. Visit our survey summary page to explore the results.

Information for Congressional Staff
Visit this website to learn more about specific policy and legislative solutions to defend science from political interference.

Information for the Media
Click here to find out how to contact UCS experts and learn more about scientific integrity in the news.

UCS is laying the groundwork for reforms that will prevent future political interference in federal government science. Thus far, UCS has:

• Put the issue of abuse of science in policy making squarely on the public policy agenda through national and international media coverage.
  
  
• Testified before several House panels to offer evidence of and provide solutions to the politicization of science.
  
  
• Worked with a broad, bipartisan coalition to advance strong whistleblower protections for scientists who witness the manipulation, suppression, or distortion of science.
  
  
• Created a cross-disciplinary network of scientists to advocate for reform through the scientist statement on scientific integrity that has nearly 15,000 signers.
  
  
• Organized more than 5,000 biologists to fend off endangered species legislation that would have undermined the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act.
  
  
• Released surveys of government scientists within the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries division, and climate related agencies documenting that political interference with science has become widespread at the agencies.

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