Union of Concerned Scientists
Scientific Integrity in Policymaking
An Investigation into
the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science
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.
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/rsi/report.html
© Union of Concerned Scientists
Page Last Revised: 02.18.2004\\
