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
Election Panel Delays, Edits Reports on Voter Fraud
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission under President GW Bush, a federal panel charged with conducting elections research, misrepresented the findings of bipartisan experts on the highly politicized topic of voter fraud.
EPA Library Closings Limit Researchers’ Access to Information
EPA moved swiftly to implement a plan to close large parts of its network of 27 libraries, potentially putting decades worth of valuable information beyond the reach of government scientists and independent researchers.
Mifepristone and Misoprostol: WHO Endorses Safer Abortions Despite U.S. Interference
In March 2005, a World Health Organization (WHO) expert committee unanimously recommended adding two abortion pills to its Essential Medicines list. U.S. government tried to block the listing of the abortion pills.
What Toxic Chemicals Are Released In Your Neighborhood?
The EPA cut back reporting requirements of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) despite past success.
Justice Department Interrogation Memos Abuse Sleep Deprivation Research
In 2005, the Department of Justice misused sleep deprivation research in memorandums sent to the CIA to help justify the CIA’s use of sleep deprivation, along with additional CIA interrogation techniques used on “high value” detainees.
Can’t Say Climate Change at Carbon Conference
In September 2005, NOAA scientist Dr. Pieter Tans was asked to cancel a conference session on energy use and the carbon cycle due to policy implications and was told that the words “climate change” could not appear in the titles of any presentations.
EPA Withheld Negative Report on Fuel Efficiency
In July 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delayed the release of a report showing that the average fuel efficiency of American cars and trucks had declined since the late 1980s.
Hurricane Science Becomes a Matter of Policy as NOAA Takes Sides
The extent to which greenhouse gas emissions from human activity contribute to an increase in hurricane number and intensity in recent years, is a matter of active scientific debate.
Justice Department Demoted Official Who Fought Suppression of Racial Profiling Study
In August 2005, the Department of Justice demoted an official who fought efforts to suppress an agency study which found evidence of racial profiling by police officers.
No Space for Aviation Safety at NASA
Early in 2005, NASA quietly closed down an $11.3 million, state-of-the-art program designed to collect critical data on air travel safety.
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.