Interior institutes scientific integrity policy

After years of internal discussion and numerous allegations of suppression or manipulation of scientific data surrounding decisions involving endangered species and climate change, the Interior Department now has a formal policy for ensuring scientific integrity in all its activities.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Wednesday issued a secretarial order establishing clear guidelines aimed at ensuring all department decisions, policies and actions are based on strong science.

"This policy clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all department employees, including career staff and political appointees, in upholding principles of scientific integrity and conduct," Salazar said in a statement.

The order establishes codes of conduct for employees engaged in scientific activities or who use science to make decisions, and it requires all bureaus and offices to document and make public scientific or technological findings or conclusions used in decision-making.

Candidates for science and technology positions also must have the necessary knowledge, experience and credentials for those positions, according to the order. The department also is required to create a system for tracking and resolving instances in which scientific integrity could be compromised.

The order applies to all employees and contractors as well as partners and volunteers involved in department activities.

Francesca Grifo, senior scientist and director of the scientific integrity program at the Union of Concerned Scientists applauded the new policy. "The principles outlined in the order, if fully implemented, would go a long way toward stopping the manipulation and distortion of science, on everything from underwater oil drilling to wildlife protection," she said in a statement.

"While this is a great framework, the real work begins now," she said. "Without specifics and a timeline, these principles will end up as just another good idea. There are many details the plan must address, including deadlines for releasing information and disclosing meetings with special interests. Interior must move quickly to put flesh on these bones."