Scientific Integrity in Policymaking
An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science
This page is an excerpt from the 2004 UCS report Scientific Integrity in Policymaking.

The U.S. government runs on vast amounts of information. Researchers at the National Weather Service gather and analyze
meteorological data to know when to issue severe-weather advisories. Specialists at the Federal Reserve Board collect
and analyze economic data to determine when to raise or lower interest rates. Experts at the Centers for Disease
Control examine bacteria and viral samples to guard against a large-scale outbreak of disease. The American public
relies on the accuracy of such governmental data and upon the integrity of the researchers who gather and analyze it.

However, at a time when one might expect the federal government to increasingly rely on impartial researchers for the
critical role they play in gathering and analyzing specialized data, there are numerous indications that the opposite
is occurring. A growing number of scientists, policy makers, and technical specialists both inside and outside the
government allege that the Bush administration has suppressed or distorted the scientific analyses of federal agencies
to bring these results in line with administration policy. In addition, these experts contend that irregularities in
the appointment of scientific advisors and advisory panels are threatening to upset the legally mandated balance of
these bodies.

The quantity and breadth of these charges warrant further examination, especially given the stature of many of the
individuals lodging them. Toward this end, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) undertook an investigation of many
of the allegations made in the mainstream media, in scientific journals, and in overview reports issued from within the
federal government and by non-governmental organizations. To determine the validity of the allegations, UCS reviewed
the public record, obtained internal government documents, and conducted interviews with many of the parties involved
(including current and former government officials).

Scientific Integrity in Policymaking: An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science presents the
finding of this investigation and offers solutions to help restore scientific integrity to the federal policymaking
process. Download the full report or the executive summary.

Reference:

The Report ... Scientific Integrity in Policymaking
Executive Summary (PDF)
http://www2.ucsusa.org/publications/report.cfm?publicationID=729

The Report ... Scientific Integrity in Policymaking
Full Report (PDF)
http://www2.ucsusa.org/publications/report.cfm?publicationID=730

Union of Concerned Scientists
http://www.ucsusa.org/

SOURCE: The Union of Concerned Scientists
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/rsi/report.html

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