Statement by Francesca Grifo

WASHINGTON (September 29, 2010) -- The Department of Interior’s new scientific integrity order will help prevent the political interference in science that has led to flawed department decisions on issues from energy production to endangered species, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

The department released a draft version of the order in August that only covered scientific misconduct. UCS criticized the draft for targeting rank-and-file scientists and ignoring abuse of science by senior officials. Notably, today’s order applies not only to career staff, but also to the people who have most often manipulated science over the past several years: contractors and political appointees.

The order states that Interior will make science used or considered in making policy decisions publicly available; protect whistleblowers who expose the misuse of scientific information; and clarify government scientists’ right to share their research and scientific analyses with the public and the press. The order also allows government scientists to stay up-to-date on new research by participating in scientific societies and requires Interior to establish plans to educate staff about their rights and responsibilities.

The following is a statement by Francesca Grifo, senior scientist and director of the UCS Scientific Integrity Program.

“The Department of Interior has shown that it wants to walk the walk. The principles outlined in the order, if fully implemented, would go a long way toward stopping the manipulation and distortion of science, on everything from underwater oil drilling to wildlife protection.

“While this is a great framework, the real work begins now. Without specifics and a timeline, these principles will end up as just another good idea. There are many details the plan must address, including deadlines for releasing information and disclosing meetings with special interests. Interior must move quickly to put flesh on these bones.

“In recent years, Interior has been justifiably criticized for misusing science in dozens of decisions. Political appointees have been caught rewriting scientific reports and regulators have exempted oil drilling projects from scientific review. The new guidelines will help ensure that Interior is an honest broker of scientific information.

“Today’s action underscores the crucial role the president plays in protecting scientific integrity. Soon after his inauguration, President Obama promised to issue a governmentwide scientific integrity directive requiring all federal departments and agencies to establish detailed plans to protect scientific integrity. It’s time for the White House to issue that directive.”

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading U.S. science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy environment and a safer world. Founded in 1969, UCS is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and also has offices in Berkeley, Chicago and Washington, D.C.