In May 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an internal survey to assess the agency’s scientific integrity policy. The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) obtained a copy of the multiple-choice responses through a Freedom of Information Act request. PEER summarized the findings as follows:
- 56% of scientists “felt unable ‘to do their work knowing they are protected from intimidation or coercion to alter scientific data or findings’”
- 36.1% of scientists “reported that their scientific findings, products, or conclusions were ‘altered or suppressed’”
- 48.7% “felt unable to ‘openly express my scientific opinions about the Agency’s scientific work without fear of retaliation’”
Almost half of the scientists also reported dissatisfaction with EPA’s Scientific Integrity program, finding the program unhelpful and fearing retaliation or, at least, non-action as a response to reporting scientific misconduct.