Thursday, February 10, 2005

Federal scientists say they were directed to distort data

According to the Los Angeles Times, more than 200 scientists employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say they were directed to alter official findings in order to lessen protections for plants and animals, according to a survey released yesterday. 30% of the agency's 1,400 scientific staff responded to the survey, which was conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

According to the Times, "More than half of the biologists and other researchers who responded to the survey said they knew of cases in which commercial interests, including timber, grazing, development and energy companies, had applied political pressure to reverse scientific conclusions deemed harmful to their business."

More than 20% of survey responders reported they had been "directed to inappropriately exclude or alter technical information."69% of those who responded to the survey said they had never been given such a directive. 44% said they have been asked by their superiors to avoid making findings that would require greater protection of endangered species.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Representatives Henry Waxman of California and Nick Rahall of Virginia have sent a letter to Interior Secretary Gale Norton, asking her to respond to charges of political interference in the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Republicans in Congress plan to pass a bill that is described as a major overhaul of the Endangered Species Act.

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