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
Trump Administration Violates Law, Extends Fishing Season for the Gulf Red Snapper
The fisheries office of the NOAA decided to disregard their science-based quota requirements and extend the recreational fishing season of the red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Trump Administration Manipulates Study on Economic Benefits of Refugees in US
The Trump administration rejected a cost-benefit analysis on the economic impact of refugees because it clashed with the administration’s political position on the subject.
Trump Political Appointees Interfere in Scientific Grants Process
The Department of Interior (DOI) has directed political appointees to begin reviewing discretionary grants to make sure that they align with the priorities of the Trump administration. The directive is being strictly enforced.
Trump Administration Rescinds Fracking Rule for Public Lands
The Trump administration rescinded a 2015 Bureau of Land Management rule that set standards for well construction, wastewater management, and chemical disclosure around hydraulic fracturing on public lands.
Department of Interior Issues Secretarial Order 3360 Rescinding Science-Based Climate Change Policies
The DOI pushed to remove climate change and conservation from internal consideration by rescinding four science-based policies.
Another National Academy of Sciences Study Halted
A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study aimed at investigating how the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement could improve its inspections of offshore oil and gas development was halted by DOI.
Ban on Scientific Words at CDC Causes Uproar
On December 15, 2017, news broke the Trump administration was prohibiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from using the words “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “diversity,” “transgender,” “fetus,” “evidence-based."
Treasury Economists Barred from Conducting Tax Plan Analyses
Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, repeatedly stated that the $1.5 trillion tax overhaul would pay for itself through economic growth and that a Treasury Department analysis would provide evidence of this, but never showed such evidence.
Trump Administration Illegally Withholds Funding from Key Energy Research Program
The Department of Energy withheld almost $100 million of appropriated funds from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The Agency funds high-risk energy research projects that have the potential to yield high rewards.
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
Related resources
Report
Improving Election Data Transparency
Recommendations for states on best practices for improving election data transparency.
Activist Resource
The Electric Utility Toolkit
A set of resources and ideas for making a more just and inclusive power grid.
Activist Resource
The Science and Climate Litigation Webinar Series
Trainings, discussions, and case studies focused on the intersection of law, climate change, and science.
Activist Resource
Scientist Community Partnerships
Scientist-community partnerships can help level the playing field for communities that are being shut out of important policy discussions, and UCS is taking an active role in fostering these collaborations.