EPA Science in a Time of Fake News: Understanding the Politicization of Environmental Science and Protection

Environmental policy aims to protect scientifically measurable aspects of human and environmental health from measurable harms. Thus, robust scientific research is absolutely central to the formation of this... [ view full abstract ]

Environmental policy aims to protect scientifically measurable aspects of human and environmental health from measurable harms. Thus, robust scientific research is absolutely central to the formation of this policy.

Consequently, I set out to identify the political factors impacting the use of scientific research in US federal environmental policy, focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and with an eye toward recent developments under our current science-denying administration. I examine legislation, court decisions, and telling first-hand accounts and correspondence with EPA staff. 

Among other findings, I focus here on trends underlying the generally increasing political interference in EPA science under anti-regulation, anti-science administrations beginning mostly with Ronald Reagan. I also explore the extent to which  President Trump and his EPA Administrator Pruitt's unabashed attacks on EPA science should be considered unique versus a continuation of longstanding trends in party ideology among other factors. I conclude with my tentative thoughts on the long-term implications of these attacks on environmental science and protection.