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.
Attacks on science
Trump Administration Sidelined the Science on a Threatened Owl Species
The Trump administration removed over three million acres of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl, a threatened species, and ignored the concerns raised by federal scientists.
Trump Administration Censored Information on Water Pollution, Climate Change, and Endangered Species
The Trump administration made approximately 1,400 changes to agency websites that removed science-based information on environmental issues, such as water pollution, climate change, and endangered species.
White House Posts Climate Change Denialist Misinformation
Two White House officials posted a series of debunked scientific reports that deny the existence of human-caused climate change.
Political Appointees Pressure Scientists to Cherry-Pick Data on California Wildfires
Political appointees at the DOI pushed federal scientists to cherry-pick data on the 2018 California wildfires to support political positions.
EPA Finalized Rule that Eliminated Safeguards for Industrial Pollution
The EPA finalized a rule that could increase hazardous air pollutant emissions from industrial facilities.
CDC and HHS Failed to Track COVID-19 Data
The federal government failed to adequately track vital COVID-19 data and instead relied on non-governmental groups to fill in these data gaps.
EPA Refused to Ban Three Toxic Chemicals
The EPA withdrew its proposed ban on three chemicals TCE, NMP, and methylene chloride.
EPA Sidelined Scientists and Weakened PFAS Assessment
Officials at the EPA overruled scientists in a risk assessment for a type of PFAS chemical, known as PFBS.
White House Intervenes to Weaken PFAS Import Ban
The White House weakened an EPA science-based guidance document that would have placed a strict ban on the import of products that contained chemicals.
Rolled Back Protections on Migratory Birds
The US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a rule that rolled back the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
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