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
Analysis on Airborne Bacteria Suppressed
Dr. James Zahn, a research microbiologist at the USDA, asserted that he was prohibited on no fewer than 11 occasions from publicizing his research on the potential hazards to human health posed by airborne bacteria originating in farm wastes.
Underqualified Nominee Installed on FDA Reproductive Health Advisory Committee
A widespread public outcry occurred in response to an unqualified FDA nominee.
Workplace Safety Panel Nominees Face Political Litmus Tests
In a well-documented case involving the Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary Tommy Thompson dismissed three well-qualified experts on ergonomics from a narrowly focused peer review panel at the NIOSH.
National Institute on Drug Abuse Subjects Scientific Appointees to Litmus Test
National Institute on Drug Abuse Subjects Scientific Appointees to Litmus Test.
Abstinence-Only Education
The Bush administration interfered with scientific work on sex education programs.
Science Overruled on Emergency Contraception
The FDA repeatedly placed ideological and political considerations over scientific evidence in handling the emergency contraceptive drug Plan B’s switch from prescription to over-the-counter access.
FDA’s Drug Safety System Fails to Protect Public
In September 2004, the pharmaceutical company, Merck, voluntarily withdrew its pain medication Vioxx from the market after evidence emerged that patients were at increased risk of heart attack while taking the drug.
Plywood Rule Used Industry Funded Research, Ignored Independent Scientific Studies
In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a new air pollution rule that would exempt many plywood manufacturers from restrictions on the emission of formaldehyde and other pollutants into the air.
Chemical Industry Pressures EPA to Protect Herbicide, not Wildlife
Despite compiling hundreds of pages of evidence documenting the harmful effects of atrazine, a commonly used weed killer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refused to regulate the herbicide.
Leveling a Mountain of Research on Mountaintop Removal Strip Mining
Internal government documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that Bush administration officials disregarded scientific studies conducted in preparation of an environmental impact statement on mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia.
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.