The highly respected Union of Concerned Scientists has issued an extremely harsh report on the manipulation of scientific data to support the current administration's environmental positions. Professor Emeritus of Physics at Cornell University and Chairman of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Dr. Kurt Gottfried, said, “Across a broad range of issues, the administration has undermined the quality of the scientific advisory system and the morale of the government’s outstanding scientific personnel.”

In the Executive Summary of Scientific Integrity in Policymaking - An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science, the UCE states:

"There is a well-established pattern of suppression and distortion of scientific findings by high-ranking Bush administration political appointees across numerous federal agencies. These actions have consequences for human health, public safety, and community well-being."

"There is strong documentation of a wide-ranging effort to manipulate the government’s scientific advisory system to prevent the appearance of advice that might run counter to the administration’s political agenda."

"There is evidence that the administration often imposes restrictions on what government scientists can say or write about “sensitive” topics."

"There is significant evidence that the scope and scale of the manipulation, suppression, and misrepresentation of science by the Bush administration is unprecedented."

The seriousness of the charges are highlighted by the February 18th, 2004 call by over 60 preeminent scientists including Nobel Laureates, National Medal of Science recipients, leading medical experts, former federal agency directors and university chairs and presidents for regulatory and legislative action to restore scientific integrity to federal policymaking.