Building EPA's Updated Scientific Integrity Policy

EPA’s new Scientific Integrity Policy is coming in 2024. Work began on this Policy update early in 2021 in response to the Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking. Earlier history of scientific integrity at EPA can be found on the Scientific Integrity at EPA page or at the scientific integrity milestones page. In keeping with EPA's commitment to transparency, these pages describe the work on this important document.

Executive Branch Leadership

The Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking created the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Scientific Integrity Fast-Track Action Committee. This committee was tasked with: 

• Reviewing scientific integrity policies across the Federal Agencies 

• Analyzing instances when scientific integrity policies had not been followed or enforced in a report 

• Creating a framework for regular assessment for iterative improvement of agency scientific integrity policies and practices 

In January 2022, the committee released their findings in their report: Protecting the Integrity of Government Science.  

On January 13, 2023, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released A Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice. The Framework provides a model SI policy for Federal Agencies along with guidelines, requirements and evaluation materials. The Framework set forth the following deadlines for Federal Agencies: 

• Within 60 days: Agencies submit new/updated scientific integrity policies for review by OSTP and the NSTC Subcommittee on Scientific Integrity.  

• Within 120 days: OSTP and the Subcommittee complete reviews of the policies against the Framework.  

• Within 180 days: Agencies provide an opportunity for public comment against the draft scientific integrity policies.  

• Within 270 days: All agencies submit final scientific integrity policies to OSTP for public release. 

• Within 360 days and every two years: OSTP and the Subcommittee assess policies, practices and culture of scientific integrity. 

EPA Progress 

Shortly after the release of the memo, EPA began its work on an updated Scientific Integrity Policy.  The Agency reviewed the results of employee Scientific Integrity Surveys, analysis of previous advice and allegations, and consulted the Scientific Integrity Committee and other Agency experts. 

Building Our New Policy

An initial draft was developed and sent to the Scientific Integrity Committee for review. Then the draft underwent further review by the Chief Scientist, the Office of General Council and the Deputy Administrator. The interim draft was then submitted to OSTP on April 10, 2023. In June 2023, EPA completed consultations with federally recognized Indian Tribes, and received comments on the interim draft from OSTP. EPA has consulted with the Unions for further feedback. From January 8, 2024 to February 5, 2024, the draft Policy was available for employee comment. From January 24, 2024 to February 23, 2024, the draft Policy was posted in the Federal Register for public comment.

Next Steps

• EPA is reviewing public and employee comments and will complete a final draft of the updated Scientific Integrity Policy for final review by the Deputy Administrator, Chief Scientist, Science Advisor and the Scientific Integrity Committee. 

• The updated Scientific Integrity Policy is expected to be released this year and will be posted on the Scientific Integrity Website with corresponding outreach and training materials.