Disturbing reports are coming from several federal agencies about the potential censorship of science. A spokesman for the presidential transition team at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that agency scientists will likely need to have their work reviewed on a "case by case basis" before distribution. Such a move would be in conflict with EPA's scientific integrity policy, which prohibits the suppression, alteration, or timely release of scientific findings.
Other agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, have instructed employees not to post to social media accounts or release other information to the public. The Department of Health and Human Services ordered employees to avoid "any correspondence to public officials." Some members of Congress have spoken out against this gag order. Although it's not unusual for a new administration to temporarily halt press releases and new regulations, the orders from the Trump Administration seem to surpass actions taken by previous Republican and Democratic administrations. Please write to your Senators and Representative to express your concern about the actions taken by federal agencies that impede the dissemination of scientific information. Take action through the AIBS Legislation Action Center: http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51562/p/dia/action3/common/ public/?action_KEY=20711 -- Julie Palakovich Carr Public Policy Manager American Institute of Biological Sciences 1201 New York Avenue, NW Suite 420 Washington, DC 20005 202-568-8117 www.aibs.org -- This message is confidential and should only be read by its intended recipients. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and delete all copies.
