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
Communication from Multiple Agencies Restricted after Trump Takes Office
In the first week of the Trump administration, media blackouts were issued across many federal agencies—and science-driven agencies that work on climate change were among the primary targets.
EPA Downplayed Risks of Fracking and Drinking Water Contamination
An EPA official downplayed the risks of fracking operations leading to the contamination of drinking water sources.
Political Officials Refused to Protect the Wolverine Under the Endangered Species Act
FWS leadership decided to ignore the scientists’ recommendations and not move forward listing the wolverine as a threatened species.
CDC Removes Information on Skin Cancer Due to Indoor Tanning Industry
Due to industry pressure, the CDC removed from its website information on the risk of melanoma cancer from indoor tanning.
White House Weakened Rule to Regulate Formaldehyde
The White House’s OMB altered the EPA's findings underlying a rule to regulate the use of formaldehyde.
EPA Approved Pesticide that Harmed Honeybees
The EPA approved the insecticide sulfoxaflor despite insufficient data documenting its environmental safety and ignoring the EPA’s own ecological assessment that showed that it is harmful to bee populations.
EPA Restricts its Science Advisors from Communicating with the Public
The EPA's Chief of Staff sent an official memo to the EPA’s SAB to place restrictions on their ability to communicate about their work.
White House Delayed Rule to Protect Workers from Harmful Silica Dust
For over two years, the White House’s OMB delayed the review of a rule meant to protect workers from dangerous silica dust exposure.
Scientists Critical of Gray Wolf Plan Were Purged from an Independent Review Panel
Officials at the FWS removed three of the nation’s top wolf experts from an independent science review panel.
USGS Cancels Study on Coal Mining
To keep in line with the Obama administration’s priorities, leaders at the USGS pulled funding for a research project that examined the public health effects of mountaintop removal coal mining.
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.