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
The Forest Service Allows Mining Company to Determine its own Environmental Impact
The Trump administration is allowing a mining company to write its own environmental assessment.
For Coronavirus, Federal Scientists are Restricted in What They Can Say to the Public
Federal health officials and scientists are now required to coordinate all statements and public appearances on novel coronavirus with the Office of the Vice President.
NOAA Political Officials Sidelined the Science on How to Protect an Endangered Whale Species
Officials at NOAA removed recommendations that were based on the best available science to protect the whale species.
HHS Officials Sent Workers to Coronavirus Hot Zone Without Protective Gear
Officials at HHS sent workers to Wuhan, China in late January and early February, in the middle of the coronavirus epidemic, without proper training or personal protective equipment.
Trump Administration Stops Collection of Data that Could Reveal Pay Discrimination Practices
The EEOC is nixing the collection of worker’s pay data, sorted by race, sex, ethnicity, and job category, from businesses with over 100 employees.
EPA Scientists Were Suppressed from Commenting on Stream and Wetland Protections
The EPA's political appointees suppressed the ability of EPA staff to provide scientific input during the public comment process on a proposed rule.
The EPA Failed to Analyze the Effects on Children’s Health from Polluting Trucks
The EPA failed to carry out analyses that would have assessed whether the health of children would be compromised by a rule that would have allowed the sale of trucks that have highly polluting engines in them.
DOI Officials Suppressed Scientist’s Concerns on Oil Rig Worker Safety
A political appointee at the DOI suppressed objections of engineers on a rule that rolled back protections for the safety of offshore oil rig workers.
The Trump Administration Halts Data Collection on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
The DOE blocked the CFPB from obtaining data on a student loan forgiveness program.
EPA Restricts Scientific Advisory Committee from Weighing-in on Potentially Dangerous Chemicals
the EPA has forbidden SACC from commenting on some of the EPA’s decisionmaking processes which have a scientific basis, such as certain routes of exposure, worker safety protections, cancer risks, and the quality of industry data.
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