# Department of Interior Leads the Way on Scientific Integrity

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/department-of-interior-leads-the-way-on-scientific-integrity/
- Published: 2015-01-08T02:32:31-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## “A Win for Science: Department of Interior’s New Scientific Integrity Policy Sets the Bar High”

Hey there, eco-warriors and science enthusiasts! Seth Leitman, your Green Living
Guy, coming at you with some exciting news from Washington that’s got me buzzing
like an electric car motor!

Let’s talk scientific integrity.  For on December 18, 2014, the Department of the
Interior (DOI) dropped a bombshell that’s music to the ears of scientists and environmentalists
alike. They’ve released a new scientific integrity policy that’s setting a gold 
standard for the Obama administration. And let me tell you, it’s not just me who’s
excited about this – the Union of Concerned Scientists is giving it a big thumbs
up!

![Photo of Tule Lake Lower Marsh by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Let's not forget
scientific integrity](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/
08/IMG_4644.jpeg?resize=400%2C250&quality=52&ssl=1 "Let's not forget scientific 
integrity. Department of the Interior ")

Photo of Tule Lake Lower Marsh by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

### Michael Halpern, the Program Manager at the Center for Science and Democracy, had this to say:

“The Department of the Interior’s new scientific integrity policy is simplified,
streamlined, and clear. With this policy, Interior continues to stand at the front
of the pack in the [Obama administration’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/annual-epa-enforcement-results-highlight-focus-on-major-environmental-violations/)
quest to create strong scientific integrity standards within government.”

Now, why is this such a big deal? Well, imagine trying to build an electric car 
with faulty data or unreliable research. It wouldn’t get very far, would it? The
same principle applies to our government’s environmental policies. We need solid,
unbiased scientific data to make the right decisions for our planet.

### Scientifc Integrity 

Halpern points out that there’s been a lot of outside pressure on the DOI to politicize
science. But with this new policy, they’re building a fortress around scientific
integrity. It’s like installing a high-tech security system to protect our most 
valuable asset – the truth!

#### Here’s what’s got me really charged up about this policy:

 1. It’s simplified and streamlined – no more wading through jargon and bureaucratic
    mumbo-jumbo.
 2. There’s a new online training program – because knowledge is power, folks!
 3. They’re forming an intra-departmental scientific integrity council – think of it
    as the Avengers of scientific truth!

But here’s the kicker – Halpern suggests that to really knock it out of the park,
the DOI should commit to publicly reporting completed investigations. Transparency
is key, after all!

### Interior Events for Scientific Integrity 

Now, this isn’t happening in isolation. Let me give you a quick rundown of some 
related events:

 1. In January 2014, scientists in West Virginia called on the EPA and CDC to let scientists
    speak freely about the Elk River chemical spill. Because when it comes to our health
    and environment, we need all the facts, not just the convenient ones.
 2. The Union of Concerned Scientists reported that the Trump administration kept some
    environmental impacts of the [border wall](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/ucs-reports-trump-administration-kept-secrets-on-border-wall-harms-to-the-environment/)
    under wraps. Remember, folks, walls don’t just affect people – they affect ecosystems
    too!
 3. On a brighter note, the Natural Resources Defense Council welcomed Christina Swanson,
    Ph.D., as the new director of its Science Center. It’s always great to see brilliant
    minds leading the charge in environmental science!

### Wrapping Up

As your Green Living Guy, I can’t stress enough how important scientific integrity
is for our journey towards a sustainable future. Whether we’re talking about developing
cleaner energy sources, designing more efficient electric vehicles, or protecting
our natural resources, we need reliable, unbiased scientific data to light the way.

So, let’s raise a glass of organic, locally-sourced juice to the Department of Interior
for taking this bold step. Here’s to a future where science leads the way, unencumbered
by political pressure or special interests!

Remember, folks – in the race to save our planet, science is our [supercharger](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/10/tesla-goes-supercharger-solar-charging-stations/).
Let’s keep it clean, let’s keep it green, and above all, let’s keep it honest!

This is Seth Leitman, your Green Living Guy, signing off. Stay curious, stay informed,
and stay green!

### Original post 

WASHINGTON (December 18, 2014)—The Department of the [Interior has released a new scientific integrity policy that sets a strong standard for the administration](https://web.archive.org/web/20150921223810/https://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/interior-department-announces-strengthened-scientific-integrity-policy-for-employees-and-contractors),
according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Halpern explores the strengths and weaknesses of the policy in[ a new blog post](https://blog.ucsusa.org/michael-halpern/interior-department-updates-scientific-integrity-policy-and-creates-handbook-771?_ga=1.169429286.644422179.1420683993).

Source: [The Union of Concerned Scientists](https://web.archive.org/web/20171212163750/http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/DOI-scientific-integrity-0452)

Statement by Michael Halpern, Union of Concerned Scientists

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
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