EPA Scientists Rip Political 'Interference'

Survey finds agency 'under siege' from meddling officials
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 24, 2008 8:57 AM CDT
EPA Scientists Rip Political 'Interference'
"What we're seeing now is the favoring of energy interests, coal-fired power plants. That's something different," one scientists said of life at the EPA under the Bush administration.   (KRT Photos)

Hundreds of Environmental Protection Agency scientists say they have come under political pressure to fudge their findings, the Los Angeles Times reports. More than half the scientists who responded to a survey said they had experienced interference over the last five years. The report from a nonprofit scientists' group describes "an agency under siege from political pressures."

Scientists told the report about White House officials shoehorning themselves into EPA inquiries at very early stages and holding actions "hostage" until changes were made. A key characteristic of Bush administration interference is that the meddling backs big energy interests, according to scientists. (More Environmental Protection Agency stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X