Policymaking in Washington and around the nation often relies on scientific research. That’s particularly true at the regulatory level, where the vigorous implementation and enforcement of statutory environmental, health and safety standards depends on sound judgments based on clean science.

 

In recent years, however, the scientific process has itself been polluted with politics. Corporations have sometimes suppressed scientific data that reflected badly on their products and processes, and government-sponsored scientific panels and advisory committees have become increasingly slanted toward industry at the expense of the environment, health and safety. During the Bush years, the White House and various agencies frequently interfered with the sound conclusions and considered recommendations of federal scientists and experts – always for the purpose of weakening sensible safeguards.

 

The Obama Administration has begun the process of erecting safeguards for science and scientists, but much work remains.  Read about CPR’s work defending clean science: