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
Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent Reprimanded for Climate Change Science Tweets
After Joshua Tree National Park’s Twitter account published a series of tweets based on climate change science, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke reprimanded the park’s superintendent and ordered the park to cease posting tweets on climate change.
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.
Department of Interior Scrubs Climate Change from its Strategic Plan
A leaked draft of the Department of Interior’s strategic plan for 2018-2022 eliminated all mention of climate change and instead prioritized energy production on public lands.
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.
The Trump Administration Fakes Science to Justify Restrictions on Birth Control Access
The administration claimed that scientific evidence supported their decision, but they got the science all wrong.
Department of Treasury Deletes Economic Science Paper from Website
The findings of the analysis run contrary to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin’s statements that a corporate tax cut will benefit workers the most.
Department of Interior Halts Study on Health Risks of Coal
On August 18, 2017, the Department of Interior (DOI) ordered the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to cease all work on a study examining potential health risks for people living near surface coal mining sites in the Appalachians.
Energy Department Scientists Barred From Attending Nuclear Power Conference
More than two dozen US scientists were prevented from attending a key international meeting on nuclear reactors.
NOAA Neglects to Connect Human Activity to Greenhouse Gases
A news release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration failed to link greenhouse gas emissions to human activity.
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.