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
EPA Conceals Scientific Information on Hundreds of New, Potentially Dangerous Chemicals
The EPA is consistently violating congressional law in how it reviews the health and safety implications for newly manufactured chemicals.
EPA Skirts Public Comment Process on Cancer-Causing Pesticide
The EPA sidestepped the normal public comment process, when it approved the use of a cancer-causing pesticide for soybean plants in 25 states.
Endangered Species Threatened in California due to Sidelining of Scientific Report
FWS dismissed and rewrote a ‘biological opinion’ that determined endangered species would be threatened by changes in water management practices in California.
OSHA is Failing to Record COVID-19 Cases For All Workers
OSHA issued guidance that, companies will generally no longer be required to report COVID-19 cases among their workers.
Decisionmaking Process at EPA’s Scientific Advisory Board has Become More Secretive
Most members of the EPA's scientific advisory board are now restricted from a certain decisionmaking process.
Polar Bear Study Opened Up for Public Comment Period to Undermine its Findings
The Trump administration opened an unprecedented public comment period to solicit public feedback on a peer-reviewed scientific study.
White House Directs EPA Scientists to Downplay a Chemical’s Link to Heart Defects
White House political officials downplayed the danger of the chemical TCE.
DOI Official Modified Scientific Reports to Increase Doubt on Climate Change Science
An official at the DOI inserted inaccurate language on climate change into at least nine scientific reports.
The Forest Service Allows Mining Company to Determine its own Environmental Impact
The Trump administration is allowing a mining company to write its own environmental assessment.
For Coronavirus, Federal Scientists are Restricted in What They Can Say to the Public
Federal health officials and scientists are now required to coordinate all statements and public appearances on novel coronavirus with the Office of the Vice President.
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