Climate Science Watch submitted our public comments on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s review draft Scientific Integrity Policy. We offered several recommendations on how the draft could be strengthened to meet NOAA Administrator Lubchenco’s stated commitment to preventing the misuse of science and political interference with the dissemination of scientific information to the public. We view the draft policy as a significant step forward.
Full text of NOAA Draft Scientific Integrity Policy for public review and comment
CSW_Comment_NOAA_Scientific_Integrity_Policy (Full 6-page text of Climate Science Watch “Comments on the Public Review Draft of NOAA Administrative Order 202-735D – SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY POLICY”
Summary of our key recommendations:
1. Remove barriers, both actual and perceived, to the dissemination and communication of scientific information to the media and the public.
2. Develop and incorporate additional whistleblower protections into the Scientific Integrity Policy and provide a more detailed explanation of procedural safeguards to be instituted, in order to adequately protect agency scientists and employees who report scientific misconduct or political interference with their research.
3. Develop and incorporate additional mechanisms to enhance transparency in NOAA’s adherence to its Scientific Integrity Policy.
Earlier posts:
NOAA draft scientific integrity policy a work in progress
“Scientific integrity” requires communication free from government and corporate pressure
NOAA on the BP oil blowout: Is this any way to communicate science?
