Interior Cedes to Critics on Scientific Integrity

The Interior Department has revised its scientific integrity policy after an initial proposal met with strong criticism from some science and open-government groups. The revision seems to be getting more support.

Interior's initial proposal, critics complained, put the integrity onus on lower-level scientists, while the real problem was suppression and manipulation of scientific results by the political appointees who are their bosses. The revised policy, issued as a Secretarial Order September 29, 2010, specifically applies to political appointees as well as scientists.

As revised, the policy also declares a presumption of openness in public access to scientific information generated at the agency. It also affirms the right of scientific employees to talk to news media and investigative agencies.

• "Interior Does About-face on Scientific Integrity," The Fine Print blog, OMB Watch, by Gavin Baker.
• Interior Department: Release of September 29, 2010.