Conflict of Interest

Articles & Analysis

Mixed Grades for Government on Free Speech and Science

A recent report card grading 15 federal agencies found inconsistent policies for releasing scientific information to the public. The analysis also showed that several agencies stifle their scientists' communication, causing scientists to fear retaliation for speaking their minds. Although some agencies have satisfactory policies or recently improved media policies, it appears much still needs to be done to ensure scientific information gets to the public.

Pentagon Refuses EPA's Pollution Cleanup Orders

The nation's worst polluter, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), is refusing to sign enforcement agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that require DOD to clean up polluted sites nationwide. The military bases covered by EPA's enforcement orders may endanger public drinking water supplies as a result of the military dumping toxic pollutants at the sites.

Political Influence Leads to Revised Endangered Species Decisions

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will revise seven of eight decisions made under the Endangered Species Act program after reviewing them for improper political interference. The four-month review came as a result of a Department of Interior inspector general's investigation of allegations that former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Julie A. MacDonald, intimidated staff and changed the scientific information agency scientists developed for decisions about listing or delisting threatened or endangered species.

Comments on FDA's Conflict of Interest Guidance for Advisory Panels

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FDA Issues New Conflict of Interest Guidelines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposal that revised its criteria for determining whether scientific advisory committee members have financial conflicts of interest. The guidance, which would be nonbinding if adopted, is in its draft form and will be open for comment upon publication in the Federal Register. The guidance simplifies FDA's process for determining financial conflicts of interest. It also details exceptions agency personnel can make to allow scientists with conflicts of interest to serve on panels. The proposal comes as FDA faces increasing scrutiny over its ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

Scientific Consultant Sparks Controversy over Conflicts of Interest

Recent findings indicate a consultant to a federal reproductive health sciences panel also has industry ties, creating a conflict of interest. The controversy raises concerns about scientific integrity in the federal regulatory process, as well as contractor transparency and responsibility.

Senate Committee Set to Vote on Dudley for Regulatory Czar

The Senate is likely to vote in December on the nomination of Susan Dudley to be the new regulatory czar, according to Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). Despite widespread criticism from the public interest community on the nomination, a confirmation hearing in which Dudley evaded disclosing much about her views, and new concerns about a perception of a conflict regarding her husband serving as head of an office that writes environmental regulations, it appears that Collins's committee will move forward with the nomination.