The Trump administration and 115th Congress have been actively dismantling science-based health and safety protections, sidelining scientific evidence, and undoing recent progress on scientific integrity.
We've seen this movie before. And we know how to fight back. We're standing up for science. We're inviting scientists to securely share information on scientific integrity abuses. And we're encouraging our supporters to watchdog this administration and Congress, as we did during the George W. Bush administration and the Barack Obama administration.
Below is a running list of attacks on science—disappearing data, silenced scientists, and other assaults on scientific integrity and science-based policy. The list provides a representative sample of threats to the federal scientific enterprise.
Beyond this list, many other moves by the president and Congress degrade the environment for science and scientists in this country. For example, the president’s Muslim ban hurts science and scientists, including those working for the federal government and the president’s rescinding transgender protections is damaging to the ability of all young budding scientists to reach their full potential. These actions are also important to document, and we continue do so on the UCS blog.
Share these stories on social media, or tell us about case studies you think we should add through these encrypted channels.
Attacks on science
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.
EPA Stops Collecting Data on Pollutants Released from Farms
EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler exempted farms from reporting hazardous air emissions from animal waste.
EPA Alters Protocol on the Selection of Scientific Advisory Committees
The GAO issued a report on how the EPA has been skirting its own protocols when picking scientific advisory committees.
Minnesota Mine Approved Over the Objections of EPA Scientists
EPA scientists were not allowed to submit their written comments expressing concerns about the ability of a copper-nickel mine to meet state and federal water standards.
EPA Ignores Scientists Who Say Wisconsin’s Air Is Dirty and Could Make People Sick
The EPA is ignoring scientists who say that data does not support its decision that several southeastern Wisconsin counties had not violated air pollution standards.
How Do Common Chemicals Harm Children? The EPA Now Refuses to Fund the Science
EPA has decided not to fund 13 research centers that study chemical exposure in childhood and adverse health outcomes.
EPA Officials Ignored Their Own Scientists on the Dangers of Asbestos
EPA issued a rule that only restricted the import of asbestos, providing a regulated pathway for industry to use asbestos-containing products in the US.
The EPA Is Limiting Data Collection on a Harmful Air Pollutant
In 20 US states EPA no longer uses the technology best supported by science to monitor NOx pollution.
EPA Leadership Is Suppressing Release of Scientific Studies on Dangers of Chemicals
EPA has stalled research on a program that carries out scientific studies which assess the toxicity risks of chemicals to human health.
EPA Blocks NASA from Monitoring Air Pollution Levels in Houston After Hurricane Harvey
The EPA and Texas authorities stopped NASA scientists from sampling air pollution data after Hurricane Harvey.
EPA Keeps Data Analysis on Stream and Wetland Protections in the Dark
The EPA proposed a rule that would shrink what waterways are federally protected under the Clean Water Act. The agency said that they could not quantify the impact of rolling back this rule; however, a 2017 analysis shows enormous impacts.
EPA Ignores Important Exposures to Dangerous Chemicals, Increasing Risk to Public Health
EPA is conducting risk assessments on chemicals without considering the risk of exposure in air emissions, drinking water, and waste products.
EPA Dissolves Advisory Panel of Scientists with Expertise on a Dangerous Air Pollutant
The EPA disbanded a panel of experts that advised leadership on air pollutants that are especially harmful to human health.
The EPA Eliminates a Strong Safeguard Against Industrial Air Pollution
The EPA has eliminated a long-standing air pollution policy, allowing major polluters to be reclassified under a less stringent category.
EPA Continues to Suppress Report on Health Effects of Formaldehyde
EPA officials appear to be suppressing an important report on the risk of cancer from formaldehyde, a common chemical in many household products.
White House Try to Cover Up Chemical Health Assessment
The Trump administration successfully stopped the publication of a study measuring the health effects of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of hazardous chemicals found in drinking water and household products throughout United States
Administrator Pruitt Ignores EPA Staff Analysis of HONEST Act Costs
An EPA analysis showing that Congress’s proposed “HONEST Act” would cost the agency more than $250 million per year was buried by Administrator Pruitt’s office. The analysis, conducted by experts at the EPA, never made it to CBO.
Environmental Protection Agency Contract with Firm Linked to EPA Employee Surveillance Has Chilling Effect on Agency Scientists
The Environmental Protection Agency hired a Republican public relations firm to take over tracking the agency’s press coverage. The firm is linked with a Republican opposition research group that had filed information requests against EPA employees
Scott Pruitt Continues Attacks on Independent Science Advice at the EPA
Several months after undermining the independence of one of EPA’s main advisory committees, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt attacked the independence of another, the Science Advisory Board (SAB), by ordering that no scientists receiving EPA grant funding
Accumulating Evidence: Federal Scientists Are being Silenced
Three EPA scientists were prevented from speaking at a conference on the effects of climate change.
Political Appointee Removing "Climate Change" from EPA Grants
John Konkus, a political appointee reviewing grant solicitations and proposals at the EPA, is cutting references to climate change—and canceling competitively awarded grants.
Administrator Pruitt Wants to Delay Climate Science
Scott Pruitt announced that he is planning a “Red Team–Blue Team” exercise to challenge mainstream climate science.
Advisory Committee Shakeup Targets Independent Science and Scientists
The Trump administration is actively working to strip away the independence of science advisory committees at several government agencies.
Trump Administration Disregards Science, Trades Kids’ Brains for Dow Profit
On March 29, 2017, EPA head Scott Pruitt disregarded robust scientific evidence and announced that he would not ban a pesticide that poses a clear risk to children, farm workers, and rural drinking water users.
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