Scientific Integrity Under Fire at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Political pressure on USFWS decisions has destroyed protections for many endangered species

Contacts

Susan Holmes, Earthjustice (202) 667-4500, x204
Sarah Wilhoite, Earthjustice (202) 667-4500 x216

Yesterday, two groups – the Union of Concerned Scientists and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – released survey results from scientists at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The survey showed that 56% of respondents reported cases where commercial interests wrongly influenced scientific decisions affecting listing processes under the Endangered Species Act.

“It is unconscionable that science is manipulated for corporate interests, putting species and habitat protections in danger of being destroyed,” said Earthjustice Legislative Representative Susan Holmes. “We commend UCS and PEER for their efforts to bring to light the undue influence political intervention has had on scientific integrity at the Fish and Wildlife Service. We also call on the Bush administration and Fish and Wildlife to stop putting corporate profits ahead of species protections.”

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Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.