The EPA’s inspector general is taking a stand against political interference in science-based decisions. The watchdog has been working to address the agency’s refusal to implement policy changes aimed at preventing such interference, and now has its sights set on Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe.
The Office of Inspector General made headlines last year when it found that former President Donald Trump’s political appointees had interfered with a toxicity assessment for PFBS, a chemical in the “forever chemicals” family. As a result, Inspector General Sean O’Donnell recommended that the agency update its scientific integrity policy. This would include adding “political interference” as a mandatory reporting category, requiring immediate complaints to be sent to the inspector general.
By taking these steps, the EPA hopes to improve transparency and accountability in its decision-making processes. The inspector general plays a crucial role in ensuring that scientific decisions are made based on evidence and not on political motivations. Moving forward with these policy changes will help maintain the integrity of the EPA’s work and ensure that science remains at the forefront of its decision-making.
