The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a revised scientific integrity policy during the final days of the Biden administration. This policy is crucial as it aims to ensure that scientists can conduct their work without political interference and communicate their findings to the public. The policy emphasizes the importance of presenting the best available science to agency decision-makers and informing the agency’s work.
Scientific integrity policies are essential for government agencies to access high-quality science to protect public health. Whether it’s predicting the path of a hurricane, understanding how a pandemic spreads, or assessing health risks associated with pollutants, agencies like the National Weather Service, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the EPA rely on scientific evidence to make informed decisions. Accurate information can save lives, while suppressing or distorting information can have deadly consequences.
Scientific integrity policies have been in place across government agencies since President Obama’s 2009 memorandum on the subject. These policies are meant to prevent political interference in scientific research and ensure the integrity of the scientific process within agencies. The Trump administration saw over 200 attacks on science, highlighting the need for stronger policies.
President Biden’s recent memorandum builds on Obama’s directive by emphasizing the importance of scientific integrity in government. It tasks agencies with establishing and enforcing policies that prevent political interference, suppression, or distortion of scientific findings. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was directed to review existing policies and develop a framework to improve scientific integrity across agencies.
EPA’s revised scientific integrity policy covers various aspects, including research methods, communication, and clearance procedures. The policy prohibits interference, inappropriate influence, and suppression of scientific findings. It also supports agency employees’ participation in media communication and professional development activities to stay informed and engaged in the scientific community.
While progress has been made in strengthening scientific integrity policies, there are concerns about future implementation under the new administration. The need for these protections remains unchanged, as scientific integrity is crucial for ensuring the validity of information and building public trust. Agency leaders must recognize the importance of scientific integrity in keeping the public safe and support strong policies to uphold this principle. Trust in government relies on transparency and integrity, and scientific integrity policies play a vital role in maintaining that trust.
