Holt Statement on Study Documenting Political Interference at the EPA

Statement

HOLT STATEMENT ON STUDY DOCUMENTING POLITICAL INTERFERENCE AT THE EPA

Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) released the following statement in response to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, which found that 889 of nearly 1,600 staff scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency reported that they experienced political interference in their work over the last five years. Holt is one of three physicists serving in Congress.

"Unfortunately, this study confirms an alarming and dangerous pattern in which political aides and appointees in the Bush Administration aggressively challenged, manipulated, and at times silenced the work and judgment of professional scientists. Science works if scientists are free to ask questions and answer them as the evidence directs without political restraints. The public gets worse results from the government if taxpayer-funded scientists are hobbled.

I recently joined as a co-chair of a non-partisan initiative called ScienceDebate2008, which calls for a Presidential debate to ask candidates their views on advancing science and technology and how they would address such issues as the environment, energy independence, research and development, and medical research. At such a debate, I would look forward to hearing how each candidate would promote science in their Administration. It is vital that we receive their assurances that, unlike the Bush Administration, they will ensure that federal scientists have the freedom and protection to do their job without fear or retribution."

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