[Dialogue] 10, 600 Scientists Condemn Political Interference in Science

[Harry Wainwright]

Union of Concerned Scientists
Citizens and Scientists for Environmental Solutions
www.ucsusa.org 


December 11, 2006

10,600 Scientists Condemn Political Interference in Science
New Guide Documents Ongoing Federal Abuse of Science; 110th Congress Must
Act 

SAN FRANCISCO-A statement by Nobel laureates and other leading scientists
calling for the restoration of scientific integrity to federal policy making
has now been signed by 10,600 scientists from all 50 states, the Union of
Concerned Scientists (UCS) announced today at the annual meeting of the
American Geophysical Union. The announcement came as the scientists group
released an "A to Z" guide that documents dozens of recent allegations
involving censorship and political interference in federal science.

Butterfly Links 

"From airborne bacteria to Ground Zero, science continues to be
misrepresented for political gain," said Dr. Francesca Grifo, senior
scientist and director of UCS's Scientific Integrity Program. "The new
Congress should enact meaningful reforms so decisions within federal
scientific agencies and advisory committees are based on objective and
unbiased science." 

The integrity of science statement has grown steadily since it was first
released in February 2004. Signatories now include 52 Nobel Laureates, 63
National Medal of Science recipients, and almost 200 members of the National
Academies of Science. Meanwhile, the new UCS compendium details censorship
and political interference in federal science on issues as diverse as air
quality, childhood lead poisoning, and prescription drug safety. For
example, in late October UCS released documents tying high-level political
appointees at the Department of Interior to the manipulation and distortion
of numerous scientific documents to prevent the protection of six different
species under the Endangered Species Act.  

"The scientist statement makes clear that while science is rarely the only
factor in public policy decisions, this input should be objective and
impartial," said Dr. Grifo. "Sustained protest from scientists, individual
Republicans and Democrats in Congress, and the nation's leading editorial
pages has not been enough to make the abuse of science stop."  

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