The Department of the Interior’s Invasive Species Advisory Committee was discontinued at the direction of the Trump administration.

NOAA’s Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee has been discontinued at the direction of the Trump administration.

On three separate occasions in September 2019, President Trump stated that Alabama was under threat from Hurricane Dorian even though no government weather forecast predicted any impact would be felt in the state.

The Trump administration is limiting the scope of scientific input into the USDA’s 2020 dietary guidelines

Federal officials suppressed report detailing how Trump administration plan to divert water for agriculture in California would risk the state’s salmon runs.

Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said that moving USDA groups out of DC to Kansas City was done to reduce the agency’s workforce.

The EPA informed staff that it would no longer oppose the Pebble Mine project in Alaska, disregarding previous EPA studies

The USDA buried a plan detailing how agriculture can adapt to climate change

USGS revised a researcher-written news release on a study of the California coastline to omit all reference to the impact of climate change on the coastline

Scientists at the USDA claim that the agency has deliberately failed to publicize research publications that address the impact of climate change

President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to terminate “at least one-third” of their current advisory committees. Critics argue that this will limit the scientific information and advice available to federal agencies and thus undermine science-based decision-making.

A bill that would require doctors to tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed was passed by the Nebraska legislature. Opponents point to the lack of scientific evidence and clinical studies in support of this treatment.

A panel of five scientists published a report arguing that the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to take gray wolves off the endangered species list is not supported by the science.

A bill was passed by the Alabama legislature that includes an inaccurate description of fetal development. The bill states that “a baby’s heart starts to beat at around six weeks,” but a six-week-old embryo does not yet have developed organs, such as a heart.

Under the current Governor of Massachusetts, state scientists are required to obtain permission from state public relations officials before speaking with journalists; however, a recent story in the Boston Globe revealed that interview requests by the media have been routinely denied.

EPA announced that it will no longer participate in the Children’s Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Program. Established by EPA and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in 1998, the program funds 13 research centers, which “explore ways to reduce children’s health risks from environmental factors.”

EPA officials ignored the advice of agency scientists when developing new rules with respect to the use of asbestos. The scientists argued that all new uses of asbestos should be banned “because the extreme harm from this chemical substance outweighs any benefit.” That argument, however, rejected by officials.

Louisiana State Senator John Milkovich claimed that vaccination can cause Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and bowel disease.

A bill that would require doctors to tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed was passed by the Oklahoma legislature. Opponents point to the lack of scientific evidence and clinical studies in support of this treatment.

A bill intended to limit insurance coverage for abortion was introduced into the Ohio legislature. The bill endorses a non-existent procedure for ectopic pregnancies that has never been performed and is not medically viable.

A bill that would require medication abortion prescriptions to include information about the possibility for the abortion to be “reversed” was passed by the Kentucky legislature. Opponents point to the lack of scientific evidence and clinical studies in support of this treatment.

A bill that would require doctors to tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed was passed by the North Dakota legislature. Opponents point to the lack of scientific evidence and clinical studies in support of this treatment.

During a media interview, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin misrepresented the science of infectious diseases, presenting “chickenpox on purpose” as a valid alternative to vaccination. That view is not shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends that children receive the chickenpox vaccination, and not be purposely exposed to the disease.

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposed to cut funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) by 9% (compared to FY2019 levels).

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposes to cut funding for DOE by 10.8% (compared to FY2019 levels). Under the budget, DOE’s innovation arm — the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) — would be eliminated, and funding for its Office of Science reduced by 16.5%.

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposes to cut funding for HHS by 11.9% (compared to FY2019 levels). Funding for the National Institutes of Health, within HHS, would decline by 12.6% (compared to FY 2019 levels).

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposes to increase funding for NASA by 1.4 percent (compared to FY2019 levels). However, while total funding for NASA would increase, several key research programs would face cuts. In particular, the budget eliminates funding for the WFIRST space telescope, and two earth science missions.

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposes to cut USDA funding by 14.8% (compared to FY2019 levels). The cuts would affect several USDA research programs, including the Agricultural Research Service which would see its funding decline by 9.5%, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service which would see its funding decline by 14.7%.

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposes to increase funding for DOC by 9.3 percent (compared to FY2019 levels). However, while total funding for DOC would increase, several NOAA-administered research programs would face cuts. In particular, the budget proposes to eliminate funding for “Sea Grant, Coastal Zone Management Grants, and the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery,” to “allow NOAA to better target remaining resources to core missions and services.”

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposes to reduce funding for DOI by 10.9% (compared to FY2019 levels). Funding for DOI’s research arm — the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) — would decline by 14.4 percent (compared to FY2019 levels).

The Trump administration’s FY2020 budget proposes to cut EPA funding by 31.2% (compared to FY2019 levels), and eliminate a number of the agency’s research and education programs, including the Climate Change Research Program and the Environmental Education Program.

The Federal Communications Commission announced plans to auction licenses for the use of electromagnetic spectrum in the 24 gigahertz band. That band is currently used to transmit weather data collected by satellites, weather balloons and radars, and ocean buoys. Scientists have warned that using the band for other purposes could lead to corruption of the weather data and/or otherwise interfere with its transmission.

During a Congressional hearing, Senator Rand Paul erroneously suggested that the benefits of immunization have not been scientifically proven.

A bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that would, if enacted, require the instructional materials used in public schools to “provide objective, balances, and non-inflammatory viewpoints on controversial issues.” While the term “controversial issues” is not defined in the bill, education groups have expressed concern that it could encompass climate change and evolution, forcing public schools to use textbooks that question proven scientific theories in those areas.

The Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) — a scientific panel charged with advising the Federal Emergency Management Agency — has not met in almost 5 months. During that period, TMAC has lacked a quorum, reportedly because the White House and Department of Homeland Security have delayed issuing security clearances to new members.

A bill was introduced in the Iowa legislature that would, if enacted, prevent use of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in schools. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Sandy Salmon, has previously said she opposes the NGSS because they present “controversial topics [such as] climate change, man’s negative impact on the environment, and evolution as a scientific fact.”

A bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that would, if enacted, require the instructional materials used in public schools to provide “objective, balances, and non-inflammatory viewpoints on controversial issues.” While the term “controversial issues” is not defined in the bill, science education groups have expressed concern that it could encompass anthropogenic climate change, and thus force public schools to use textbooks that question whether human activities are the cause of recent temperature increases.

A bill was introduced in the South Dakota legislature that would, if adopted, request local school boards to adopt rules preventing teachers “[a]dvocat[ing] for any issue that is part of a political party platform.” Critics fear that this could limit teachers’ ability to discuss climate change, which is dealt with in the Democratic party platform.

A resolution was introduced in the Virginia legislature that would, if adopted, request that the State Board of Education adopt rules preventing teachers “[a]dvocat[ing] for any issue that is part of a political party platform.” Critics fear that this could limit teachers’ ability to discuss climate change, which is dealt with in the Democratic party platform.

Texas State Representative Bill Zedler falsely stated that measles, a viral infection, can be cured by antibiotics which exclusively treat bacterial infections.

A bill was introduced in the Oklahoma Senate that would, if enacted, allow teachers to present “the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories.” Critics say this could undermine science education by allowing teachers to question proven scientific theories, particularly in areas seen as controversial, such as evolution.

A bill was introduced in the Maine legislature that would, if enacted, require teachers to “present both sides” of any “controversial issue.” The term “controversial issue” is defined broadly to include any issue addressed in an “electoral party platform,” and thus would include climate change, which is discussed in the Democratic party platform.

A bill was introduced in the South Carolina legislature that would, if enacted, allow public schools to include creation science as part of the curriculum in elective religion courses.

A bill was introduced in the South Dakota legislature that would, if enacted, prevent teachers being prohibited from discussing “the strengths and weaknesses” of any scientific theory. According to science education groups, this could undermine science education by giving teachers greater ability to question proven scientific theories, such as climate change and evolution.

A resolution was introduced in the South Dakota legislature that would, if adopted, encourage each local school board to adopt rules preventing teachers “[a]dvocat[ing] for any issue that is part of a political party platform.” Critics fear that this could limit teachers’ ability to discuss climate change, which is dealt with in the Democratic party platform.

A bill was introduced in the Connecticut state legislature that would, if enacted, prevent implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The bill’s sponsor has previously objected to the inclusion of climate change in the NGSS, asserting that it is a “controverisal” subject that should not be taught in Connecticut schools.

A bill was introduced in the Iowa state legislature that would, if enacted, prevent implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Skyler Wheeler, has previously said she “oppose[s] NGSS as it pushes climate change . . . [and] evolution.”

A bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that would, if enacted, require “controversial” scientific theories to be taught in a “balanced” manner. While the bill does not identify any specific “controversial” theories, it’s sponsor indicated that it would apply to climate change and evolution, requiring teachers to present “different worldviews” on those topics.

A bill was introduced in the North Dakota legislature that would, if enacted, prevent teachers being prohibited from discussing “the strengths and weaknesses” of any scientific theory. Critics say this will undermine science education by giving teachers greater scope to question proven scientific theories and/or discuss alternative concepts that have been discredited or are unproven.

Hundreds of scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture were prevented from attending the 27th Annual Plant and Genome Conference due to the partial government shutdown.

Federal government scientists, from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other agencies, were prevented from attending the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society due to the partial government shutdown.

A bill was introduced in the Indiana legislature that would, if enacted, allow the governing body of a school to require teachers to present “various theories concerning the origin of life” to students. Critics say this is likely to result in the theory of creation being presented as an alternative to evolution.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was forced to delay release of an update to the World Magnetic Model due to the partial government shutdown.

DOE officials ordered staff in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to cancel all travel scheduled through the end of February 2019. The officials cited the partial government shutdown as the reason for requiring travel to be cancelled. However, DOE is not affected by the shutdown, having been fully-funded through the 2019 fiscal year.

Citing the partial federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cancelled its 30th annual Research Forum on Invasive Species, which had been scheduled to take place from January 8 to 11. According to USDA officials, the forum will not be rescheduled during 2019, due to difficulties “coordinating with speakers and the hotel.”

Citing the government shutdown, the DOI’s Bureau of Land Management blocked access to a website, containing links to documents discussing proposed changes to the conservation rules for greater sage grouse habitat. The block, which appears to violate DOI guidance, was implemented despite the fact that DOI is currently accepting comments on the proposed rule changes.

A scientist from Virginia Commonwealth University was prevented from collecting water samples in the Shenandoah National Park due to the partial government shutdown. Prior to the shutdown, samples had been collected weekly as part of a forty-year study, intended to track how streams in the park and surrounding areas are recovering from acidification.

A bill was introduced in the Arizona legislature that would, if enacted, require teachers to “present both sides” of any “controversial issue.” The term “controversial issue” is defined broadly to include any issue addressed in an “electoral party platform,” and thus would include climate change, which is discussed in the Democratic party platform.

Tennessee Congressman-elect and former Senator Mark Green appeared to suggest that vaccination can cause Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proven that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing ASD.

The Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water erroneously claimed that no data was available showing the number of streams that would be excluded from the new definition of “waters of the United States” proposed by EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers. Internal EPA documents show that agency staff had conducted a detailed analysis and determined that at least 18% of streams and 51% of wetlands nationwide would be excluded from the new definition.

EPA announced that it was disbanding the particulate matter review panel. The panel has historically provided advice to EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee on the need for changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter.

EPA is reportedly planning to close its Office of the Science Advisor. According to its website, the office is responsible for “science policy development and implementation” at EPA, and aims to “ensure that the highest quality science is better integrated into the Agency’s policies and decisions.”

DOI filed a “Request for Records Disposition Authority” with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). In the request, DOI seeks permission from NARA to destroy records relating to its conservation, land use, energy, and water programs. Many of the records document the findings of scientific research or contain data needed to conduct such research.

HHS announced that it would use funds originally allocated to research and other programs to cover the costs of its Unaccompanied Alien Children program. A total of $266 million will be re-diverted, including $87.3 million originally allocated to the National Institutes of Health for cancer and other research.

Scientists from Oklahoma State University and the University of Georgia were engaged by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to contribute to a study of the impact of farming on an endangered insect. The scientists allege that FWS officials dismissed concerns they raised about the study’s methodology and pressured them to “work on a rushed timeline at odds with what they saw as good science.”

Staff in EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program were forced to stop work on chemical risk assessments after agency officials commenced a review of the program’s priorities. 28 of IRIS’s 30 staff were subsequently directed to spend 25 to 50 percent of their time working with EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention.

Officials at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cancelled a project to assess air pollution in the Houston area following Hurricane Harvey. The cancellation was ordered by the director of NASA’s Earth Science Division after officials at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality expressed concern that NASA’s project would “overlap with . . . existing efforts” to monitor pollution and would not be “useful.”

EPA issued a new organizational chart which omitted any reference to the Office of Children’s Health Protection (OCHP). The Director of OCHP, Dr. Ruth Etzel, was subsequently placed on administrative leave without explanation. This followed several months of what Dr. Etzel described as “guerrilla warefare,” being waged by top EPA leaders, as part of an effort to “disappear” OCHP.

A survey of scientists at DOI’s National Park Service found various restrictions on their ability to communicate with the public and journalists.

A survey of federal government scientists found evidence of political interference in scientific research at USDA. The survey found, among other things, that resources have been shifted away from USDA programs and offices involved in “politically contentious” research.

A survey of scientists at DOI’s Fish and Wildlife Service found that many have been told not to work on topics deemed “politically contentious” and to omit “politically contentious” words, including “climate change” and “science,” from their reports.

A survey of scientists at DOI’s U.S. Geological Survey found that many have been asked or told not to work on topics deemed “politically contentious.”

A survey of federal government scientists found evidence of political interference in scientific research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The survey found, among other things, that scientists have been told to avoid research linking environmental problems to action by industry.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, removed an online medical guidelines database. The database, known as the National Guideline Clearinghouse, was thought to be the world’s most comprehensive online repository of medical guidelines.

Senior EPA officials reported sought to block release of a scientific study discussing the health hazards posed by formaldehyde.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture were directed to include, on all research published in scientific journals, a statement indicating that “[t]he findings and conclusions in this preliminary publication have not been formally disseminated by the” department.

The North Carolina legislature rejected a proposal from Governor Roy Cooper to increase funding for the state Department of Environmental Quality to enable it to hire scientists to work on water pollution issues. Instead, the legislature voted to cut the Department’s funding by $1.8 million, which critics say will lead to job losses.

DOI issued a new media protocol that requires scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey to obtain approval before speaking to journalists. The protocol permits DOI to reject interview requests on scientific matters.

The Florida Department of Citrus’ 2018-19 budget proposed to reduce funding for scientific research by $48,700. The reductions are reportedly necessary due to lower than expected revenues.

EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) announced that it was disbanding three sub-committees — the Ecological Processes and Effects Committee, Environmental Engineering Committee, and Environmental Economics Advisory Committee — “[o]n the recommendation of the SAB Staff Office.”

A political appointee at EPA — the Deputy Director for Public Affairs John Konkus — ordered the cancellation of at least four grants for research on climate change and related topics.

The U.S. Geological Survey, within the Department of the Interior, will require scientists wishing to attend certain conferences to provide their presentation title(s) and an explanation of how their research relates to the priorities of Interior Secretary Zinke. The information will be reviewed by a political appointee, who will determine which scientists can attend each conference.

EPA officials ordered staff in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program not to release human health toxicity assessments prepared for chemicals. Staff were told they could only release chemical assessments that had been specifically requested by the leadership of an EPA program office. Program office leaders were subsequently told to limit their assessment requests to “no more than three to four chemicals.”

White House and EPA officials sought to block publication of HHS study on the health effects of water contamination due to concerns that it would be a “public relations nightmare.”

Ohio Governor John Kasich questioned scientific data showing poor water quality in Lake Erie. Based on the data, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency concluded that the lake’s waters are impaired, but the Governor disputed that finding.

DOI’s Bureau of Land Management prevented at least 14 scientists from attending the annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology. Several of those prevented from attending had been scheduled to speak at a symposium, which had to be cancelled due to the lack of participation by government scientists.

In a television interview, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas suggested that science only “back[s] up part of” the theory of evolution, and “not all of it.” Superintendent Douglas has previously advocated for Florida schools to teach the unproven theory of “intelligent design” as an alternative to evolution.

President Trump signed a memorandum directing the EPA Administrator to make changes to certain air pollution programs. The changes have implications for the use of science in developing and implementing air pollution protections.

The cities of Dover, Portsmouth, and Rochester in New Hampshire questioned the accuracy of scientific research finding that municipal wastewater is contributing to high nitrogen levels in the Great Bay estuary.

EPA officials ignored the advice of agency scientists when determining whether a county in Wisconsin met federal air quality standards for ozone. Agency scientists had recommended that the county be classified as a “nonattainment” area but, after lobbying by then-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, EPA decided to classify the area as “in attainment” with the ozone standards. At the time, the scientists indicated that there was no “sound technical basis” for the ruling.

One DOL advisory board – the Council on Occupational Safety and Health – has been disbanded and four others have had their operations suspended. As of March 2018, the boards had not met in at least nine months.

Retailers in California were required to include a cancer warning on coffee, despite scientific evidence showing that it does not pose a cancer risk.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced that it would cancel the Jason research program. Established in the 1950s, the program brings together approximately 50 academic scientists to research and advise on various national security issues, including with respect to nuclear weapons systems.

DOI revised the charters of twenty-one resource advisory councils responsible for advising the Bureau of Land Management. Under the revised charters, councils are required to “provide recommendations for implementation” of various executive orders and secretarial orders, leading to concerns that they will be put “in a position of implementing an agenda rather than providing solid advice.”

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced a so-called “science transparency policy” that would prevent studies based on non-public scientific data being used in agency rulemakings.

EPA scientists were warned against participating in a survey on scientific integrity within the federal government. An email containing a link to the survey was classified as spam “stemming from an unknown entity” by EPA’s Computer Security Incident Response Center, despite those running the survey providing advance notice to that it would be sent.

As of March 2018, EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) had not met in at least six months, leading to concerns among members that EPA is trying to sideline the board. According to members, ordinarily, the SAB would have multiple interactions (including in-person meetings and teleconferences) during any six month period.

The Arizona Department of Education revised draft science education standards to limit the teaching of evolution and give teachers greater flexibility to present it as a controversial topic about which scientists disagree.

Mississippi State Senator Joey Filingane argued that technological advances justify the adoption of stricter limits on abortion. In support this argument, the Senator referenced technology that he admitted does not yet exist, but argued that it may be developed in the next two to three years, before any litigation concerning the new abortion limits concludes.

EPA’s National Center for Environmental Research, which distributes grants for research on the effects of chemical exposure, will be eliminated as part of an agency reorganization involving the merger of three research offices.

A bill was introduced in the Iowa legislature that would, if enacted, prevent implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The bill was reportedly prompted by a concern that the NGSS discuss “controversial topics,” such as climate change and evolution.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes to reduce funding for NASA by 0.3% (compared to FY2017 levels). Among other things, the budget would eliminate funding for the international space station from 2025, cancel a project to upgrade communications satellites, and terminate five earth sciences research missions.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes to cut EPA funding by 33.7% (compared to FY2017 levels), and eliminate a number of the agency’s research and education programs, including the Climate Change Research and Partnership Program and the Environmental Education Program.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes to reduce funding for DOI by 16.8% (compared to FY2017 levels). The reductions are achieved, in part, through cuts to various DOI grant programs.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes to cut USDA funding by 16.4% (compared to FY2017 levels). Under the budget, funding for a number of USDA research programs, including statistical research programs administered by the Economic Research Service, would be reduced or eliminated.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes cuts to a number of National Science Foundation (NSF) programs, including a 56% reduction in the NSF account that supports the construction of research platforms and the acquisition of scientific instruments.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes to cut funding for DOE by 3.4% (compared to FY2017 levels). Funding for DOE’s innovation arm, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), would be eliminated and funding for its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy cut in half.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes to maintain funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at FY2017 levels, despite imposing additional responsibilities on the NIH, including establishing three new sub-institutes to take over functions currently performed by other HHS offices.

The Trump administration’s FY2019 budget proposes to reduce funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by 20% compared to FY2017 levels. Among other things, the budget would eliminate $273 million in funding for NOAA grant programs, including the National Sea Grant College Program and National Estuarine Research Reserve System.

During a radio interview, the newly appointed head of Milwaukee’s Health Department, Patricia McManus, stated that “the science is still out” on whether vaccines cause autism. Any link between vaccines and autism has, however, been disproved in numerous scientific studies.

The White House announced plans to restructure the interagency National Science and Technology Council, which was established in 1993 to coordinate science policy across the federal government. The restructure will be overseen by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, which has requested input from 20 federal agencies.

The Wyoming House of Representatives voted to withhold funding from the state’s Environmental Quality Council. The vote was reportedly prompted by a concern that the Council, which reviews matters relating to environmental pollution, is too “anti-business.”

A member of the Ohio Board of Education, Sarah Fowler, proposed adding an “overarching content statement” to the state’s new science education standards. The statement emphasizes that “scientific conclusions are necessarily based upon philosophical assumptions,” which is an argument often used to challenge the teaching of evolution. Critics assert that, if the statement is added to the standards, it may encourage teachers to present the unproven theory of “intelligent design” as an alternative to evolution.

Two senior scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey resigned in protest over an alleged breach of the USGS’s scientific integrity policy by the Secretary of the Interior.

A bill was introduced in the Iowa House of Representatives that would, if enacted, prevent implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The bill was reportedly prompted by a concern that the NGSS discuss “controversial topics,” such as climate change and evolution.

Former Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevan Baker ordered Health Department employees not to discuss concerns about lead contamination with members of the city council.

A bill was introduced in the Alabama legislature that would, if enacted, allow teachers to present the theory of creation as an alternative to evolution.

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology announced it was reviewing the involvement of Dr. Linda Birnbaum, the director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in a study of federal toxics regulation and requested that HHS also commence a review.

Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed three individuals with little or no experience in wildlife management to the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Florida Department of Citrus cut $70,000 from its scientific research, marketing, and administration budgets. The cuts were reportedly necessary due to lower than expected revenues.

The mayor of Denmark in South Carolina, Gerald Wright, refused to allow a Virginia Tech professor, Marc Edwards, to test the city’s drinking water supplies for possible contamination. Mayor Wright asserted that the testing was unnecessary because the city’s water had already been assessed by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and found to be safe.

Researchers at the National Energy Technology Laboratory were pressured, by DOE officials, to change a report on electric system reliability during extreme weather events. The changes were purportedly intended to bolster the Trump administration’s claims that retention of coal-fired power plants is vital to maintain reliability.

As of December 31, 2017, President Trump had filled fewer government science positions than any other recent President, at the same point in time. Just 20 of the 83 positions designated by the National Academies of Sciences as “science appointees” had been filled.

DOI staff were directed to ensure that grants to outside groups promote the Trump Administration’s policies and have certain grants of $50,000 or more approved by political appointees.

In a letter to Senator Tom Udall, EPA misrepresented the findings of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee, in relation to the need to delay certain provisions of the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard.

Policy analysts at the Centers for Disease Control were given a list of 7 words, including “evidence-based” and “science-based,” which should not be used in documents prepared for next year’s budget.

Following discovery of a $30 billion budget gap, the Oklahoma Department of Health announced that it would lay off 198 staff, and would be unable to fill existing open positions, including several in the epidemiology department.

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens appointed three new members to the state’s Clean Water Commission. All three appointees have close ties to industry and appear to lack appropriate qualifications for serving on the Commission.

Of 43 Trump administration nominees in science-related positions, only 41% had a master’s degree or doctorate in a science field, compared to 58% under President Obama.

The food advisory committee, the only body dedicated to advising the Food and Drug Administration on food-related science policy, was disbanded.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration announced plans to re-evaluate the work of its advisory committees.

DOI ordered the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to “stop-work” on a study of offshore oil and gas drilling commissioned by BSEE pending review.

Over 200 scientists left EPA in 2017, most of whom have not been replaced. Over the course of 2017, EPA hired just 7 scientists.

A bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that would, if enacted, require “controversial” scientific theories to be taught in a “balanced” way. While the bill does not identify any specific “controversial” theories, it is thought to be targeting the teaching of climate change and evolution.

A package bills was introduced in the Michigan senate that would, if enacted, establish a new Environmental Rules Review Committee to oversee the state Department of Environmental Quality. The Committee would consist of over half industry representatives and have broad authority to veto rules proposed by the Department.

A bill was introduced in the Iowa legislature that would, if enacted, prohibit the transfer or use of fetal body parts. Opponents of the bill say it will prevent vital medical research using fetal tissue.

At a Republican candidate event, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas argued that school children should be taught alternatives to the theory of evolution, including the unproven theory of “intelligent design.”

During a hearing of the Utah State Board of Education, vice-chairwoman Alisa Ellis argued that teachers should present evolution as a theory and not a fact. She also urged teachers to discuss alternative explanations for the origins of life, including the unproven theory of “intelligent design.”

Political appointees at the Department of the Interior (DOI) blocked release of a report, examining the impact of three widely used pesticides on endangered and threatened species. The report, which had been prepared by scientists at DOI’s Fish and Wildlife Service, found that use of the pesticides would threaten the continued existence of thousands of species.

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens convened a task force to explore ways to shrink the size and scope of the state government. The task force recommended, among other things, eliminating the state Life Sciences Research Board.

EPA announced that scientists receiving agency grants would not longer be able to serve on its advisory boards.

As of October 23, 2017, the Trump administration had taken longer than any other to nominate a science adviser to head the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

EPA rewrote certain chemical rules against the advice of agency scientists who warned that the changes may result in an “underestimation of the [chemicals’] potential risks to human health and the environment”

The North Carolina legislature appointed Jim Womak to the state’s Oil and Gas Commission. Mr. Womak was appointed to a seat reserved for a “representative of a nongovernmental conservation interest” but has no experience in conservation.

Between October and December 2017, EPA made various changes to its International Cooperation website, including removing information about climate change.

The FBI’s 2016 Crime in the United States report contained almost 70% fewer data tables than the 2015 report.

The New Mexico Public Education Department proposed to adopt the Next Generation Science Standards, with various amendments, which critics say will limit discussion of climate change and evolution in schools.

HHS suspended the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices which lists addiction and mental health programs that have been independently assessed and deemed scientifically sound.

Employees at the Centers for Disease Control were instructed not to speak with any member of the news media, regardless of the nature of their inquiry, without the approval of the communications office.

DOI’s Office of Surface Mining directed the National Academy of Sciences to stop work on a study of potential health effects from mountaintop removal coal mining. DOI had previously committed $1 million for the study, but is now reconsidering its funding decision.

EPA staff have been directed to prioritize industry requests for changes to environmental regulations. Many of the requested changes are contrary to agency scientific research.

A former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official revealed that, while employed as a field supervisor in Arizona, he was pressured by the Trump Administration’s U.S. Department of the Interior to reverse his decision regarding a biological assessment of a proposed massive housing development project.

The Florida Department of Citrus’ 2017-18 budget proposed to reduce funding for scientific research. The reductions are reportedly necessary due to lower than expected revenues.

HHS cancelled $213.6 million in funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs and research. The cancellation will affect five-year grants awarded to 80 institutions by the Obama administration.

President Trump nominated Sam Clovis, a former radio announcer and economics professor, with no “hard-science” qualifications to the USDA’s top science position.

Tennessee State Representative Diane Black relied on a discredited scientific study, which was funded by industry and did not comply with established research protocols, to push for the weakening of regulations controlling emissions from glider trucks.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposed a 23% cut in funding the National Hansen’s Disease Program. The program, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration, conducts research on leprosy.

The Trump administration’s proposed FY2018 budget included $347 million in funding for climate and environmental research at DOD. This represents less than 1% of the amount requested by DOD and would result in cuts to several research programs.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposes a 59% cut in funding for DOE’s earth and environmental sciences program which plays a key role in federal climate change research.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposed a 25% cut in funding for research programs at NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

The Trump administration’s FY 2018 budget proposed an 11% cut in funding for DHS programs supporting climate and other environmental research.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposed a 19% cut in funding for climate and environmental research programs at DOI.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposes to cut funding for EPA climate and environmental research programs by 39% or $438 million.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposes to cut funding for NASA climate and environmental research programs by 8% or $151 million.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposed to cut funding for NOAA’s climate and environmental research programs by 7% or $49 million.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposed a 10% cut funding in for the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s climate and environmental research programs. This is expected to lead to 800 fewer awards to universities and other institution in 2018 compared to 2017.

The Trump administration’s FY2018 budget proposed a 12% cut in funding for USDA climate and environmental research programs.

During a hearing of the Wisconsin legislature, state Representative Jesse Kremer stated that it is “fact” that the earth is only 6,000 years old, contradicting decades of scientific research showing that the earth is 4.5 billion years old.

EPA dismissed at least five academics serving on its scientific review board and indicated that it may replace them with industry representatives.

Due to state budget cuts, the Missouri Water Science Center will be forced to deactivate 20% of the state’s river and stream gauges, beginning in July 2017.

The Alabama legislature passed a resolution labeling climate change, evolution, and human cloning as “controversial” theories and encouraging teachers to question their accuracy.

EPA denied a petition to ban Chlorpyrifos, a chemical widely used as a pesticide, against the advice of top agency scientists who had warned that exposure exceeds safe levels in many areas.

DOI froze the work of more than 200 advisory boards, committees, and subcommittees to enable it to review “the charter and charge of each committee.” DOI also allowed the charter of the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science to expire.

The Iowa legislature published its proposed state education budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017. Under the proposal, state funding for education would be cut by $20 million, compared to the 2016 fiscal year. The cuts would be achieved, in part, by eliminating funding for two research centers at Iowa State University.

The Oklahoma Science and Engineering Fair, and several regional science fairs, are to be cancelled in 2018 due to a lack of funding from the state government.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he would not renew the National Commission on Forensic Science, a 30 member advisory committee established to review forensic science standards.

Up to 27 DOE scientists were told they could not attend the 2017 International Atomic Energy Agency conference.

A GOA website on managing federal oil and gas resources was edited to remove content on the environmental and public health risks of shale oil and gas production.

A bill that would require doctors to tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed was passed by the Utah legislature. Opponents point to the lack of scientific evidence and clinical studies in support of this treatment.

Nevada Governor Susana Martinez vetoed a bill authorizing the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to adopt rules for research into industrial hemp. As a result of the veto, research into industrial hemp remains prohibited in Nevada.

References to EPA’s Office of Science and Technology policy developing “science-based standards” were changed to read “economically and technologically achievable standards.”

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to amend a guidance document on the state’s science education standards. The amendment referenced the Louisiana Science Education Act, which encourages the teaching of alternatives to evolution.

A bill was introduced in the Arkansas legislature that would, if enacted, allow the unproven theories of intelligent design and creationism to be taught alongside evolution in schools.

A bill was introduced in the legislature that would, if enacted, require teachers to present “opposing points of view or belief” when discussing evolution, the origins of life, and global warming. There is no requirement in the bill that the opposing points of view or beliefs presented be scientifically valid, leading to concerns that teachers will discuss unproven or discredited scientific concepts.

Washington State Representative Joel Kretz and State Senator Mark Schoesler filed a scientific misconduct complaint against a Washington State University (WSU) professor in relation to a 2014 study he had conducted on wolf predation. Representative Kretz had previously sought to discredit the study, including by having the professor fired by WSU.

The Indiana Senate passed a resolution urging support for the teaching of a diverse curriculum. Critics say this will undermine the integrity of science education, including by encouraging teachers to present a range of views on topics seen as controversial, such as evolution.

A bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that would, if enacted, allow residents to challenge teaching materials discussing evolution, climate change, and other topics they consider inappropriate.

Bills were introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate that would, if enacted, eliminate the state Environmental Quality Board which is responsible for coordinating work on environmental issues among state agencies.

A bill was introduced in the Texas legislature that would, if enacted, allow the State Board of Education to reject any science textbook or other instructional materials that it deems unsuitable. According to critics, this would allow the board to reject materials that discuss controversial scientific theories (e.g., climate change and evolution), even if they are factually correct.

In his budget proposal for 2017-19, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker recommended that the state Department of Natural Resources cease publishing a bimonthly magazine, providing information on environmental issues. Critics say the move is intended to “create a vacuum and black out information on very important environmental issues” such as climate change.

In his budget proposal for 2017-19, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker recommended eliminating the Department of Natural Resources’ central science services bureau, and reassigning its 15 staff to other positions.

A bill was introduced in the Oklahoma Senate that would, if enacted, prevent teachers being prohibited from discussing “the strengths and weaknesses” of any scientific theory. Critics say this will undermine science education, giving teachers greater scope to question proven scientific theories, and/or present alternative concepts that have been discredited or are unproven.

A bill was introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature that would, if enacted, require closure of the State Environmental Laboratory. The laboratory is currently responsible for testing the state’s 1,700 public water supply systems.

EPA staff received an email warning them that, while they are free to speak publicly, doing so presents risks.

A bill was introduced in the Texas legislature that describes “climate change, biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, and human closing” as “controversial” theories. The bill would, if enacted, give teachers greater scope to question these and other proven scientific theories.

The Texas State Board of Education voted preliminarily to retain language in its science education standards requiring students to consider “all sides” when discussing evolution. Critics say the requirement encourages the teaching of creationism as an alternative to the theory of evolution.

Thousands of documents detailing animal welfare violations were removed from USDA’s website after being made publicly available for decades.

The head of communications for the EPA transition team indicated that agency scientists would be required to have their research reviewed before publication.

On December 20, 2017, Trump administration official ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to suspend all research grants.

A bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that would, if enacted, allow the discussion of religious beliefs in schools. Critics allege that the bill is intended to undermine the teaching of evolution and encourage discussion of creationism in schools.

A bill was introduced in the South Dakota legislature that would, if enacted, prevent teachers being prohibited from discussing “the strengths and weaknesses” of any scientific theory. Critics say this will undermine science education, giving teachers greater scope to question proven scientific theories, and/or present alternative concepts that have been discredited or are unproven.

The Secretary of Energy Advisory Board, which was a key adviser to past DOE secretaries, was reportedly “sunset.” DOE has no plans to reconstitute the board at this time.

Black Hawk College announced it would lay-off several faculty members, including a professor of geology, due to a lack of state funding.

The Trump transition team instructed DOI staff not to send out press releases, post on social media or blogs, or update websites and to consult with senior officials before speaking to the media.

The Trump transition team instructed HHS staff not to send out press releases, post on social media or blogs, or update websites and to consult with senior officials before speaking to the media.

The Trump transition team instructed USDA staff not to send out press releases, post on social media or blogs, or update websites and to consult with senior officials before speaking to the media.

Between June and December 2017, various content was removed from the website of HHS’s Office of Women’s Health, including pages discussing breast cancer and lesbian and bisexual health.

The Kansas legislature approved a proposal to privatize the Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) as part of a plan to address shortfalls in the state budget. The KBA was established in 2004 to support research in the bioscience sector.

The Texas Department of State Health Services published a booklet for women considering abortion. The booklet includes several disproven scientific claims, including suggesting that abortions cause breast cancer, which the American Cancer Society has forcefully rejected.

A bill was introduced in the Nevada House of Representatives that would, if enacted, abolish the Garlic and Onion Growers Advisory Board, the Alfalfa Seed Advisory Board, and the Advisory Council for Organic Agricultural Products.

The White House Office of Management and Budget issued new guidelines on the use of “influential scientific, financial, or statistical information” by federal agencies. The guidelines direct federal agencies to make the research underlying such information publicly available. Critics fear that this could prevent agencies relying on scientific studies that are based on confidential data which cannot be publicly disclosed.

bill that would require doctors to tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed was introduced by the Kansas legislature. Opponents point to the lack of scientific evidence and clinical studies in support of this treatment.