Preserving Scientific Integrity in Federal Policymaking; Lessons from the Past Two Administrations and What's at Stake under the Trump Administration

v, [1], 43 pages, plus front cover and back of rear cover. Oversized book, measuring 11 inches by 8-1/2 inches. Includes Figures, Table, and Boxes; Acknowledgments; References; and Appendices. Chapters include Introduction; Scientific Integrity in the Obama Administration: Progress, Missteps, and Unfinished Business; and recommendations for Advancing Scientific Integrity in the Trump Administration. Also includes References and Appendices. This document offers a concrete framework for assessing the actions of the 45th president, agency and department heads, and the U.S. Congress regarding the protection and advancement of the role of science in government decisionmaking. From the report: President Trump stated, in answer to a question posed during the 2016 campaign, "Science is science and facts are facts. My administration will ensure that there will be total transparency and accountability without political bias. The American people deserve this and I will make sure this is the culture of my administration." We should all hope-and demand-that the Trump administration delivers on this promise. Our report is accompanied by an appendix containing detailed recommendations for promoting scientific integrity, including the following topline recommendations. President Trump should: Create a culture of scientific integrity by quickly issuing a memorandum directing agency heads to bolster their scientific integrity efforts; by affirming whistleblower protections; and by appointing an assistant director within OSTP with specific scientific integrity responsibility. Agency heads should make public scientific integrity commitments-and Congress should ask for such commitments during confirmation hearings. Promote independent science by following through on his promise to "drain the swamp" of former lobbyists; by holding political appointees to strict ethics standards; by appointing a widely respected scientist to serve as science advisor to the president and head of the OSTP; by directing the OMB not to interfere in agency scientific work; and by working with Congress to reform and strengthen the federal scientific advisory committee system. He should also take steps to ensure that international trade agreements do not undermine science-based safeguards. Increase government transparency by improving conflict-of-interest policies for government employees; by publishing basic information online about all scientific advisory committee members; by affirming broad disclosure of government records under the Freedom of Information Act; by making more government datasets publicly accessible; and by allowing journalists to interview relevant experts rather than directing them to other agency employees. Enhance public participation by making federal agency rulemaking processes more accessible to the public; by innovating better methods for providing information to the public and receiving feedback; by making federal websites more consumer-oriented and user-friendly; by ensuring full disclosure of funding sources and organizational affiliations by public commenters during rulemaking; and by requiring agencies to post their visitor logs online.…