Whistleblower Protections for Scientists Sidelined

— Science Integrity Initiative Allows Agencies to Certify Current Practices as Sufficient

Washington, DC — A vaunted effort by the Obama White House to outlaw political manipulation of science has become mired in official resistance and inertia, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). After more than two years, most federal science-based agencies have yet to even draft policies. Now the White House is urging them to adopt boilerplate language on key provisions, such as whistleblower protections for scientists, which provide no additional safeguards.