Advocacy Groups Like Little in Interior's New Scientific Policy

"The Interior Department released its new scientific integrity policy last week, but scientists and advocacy groups are miffed at what they view as an incomplete and disingenuous set of rules.

The policy -- which is open for public comment until Sept. 20 -- focuses on the employees, contractors and volunteers who 'engage in scientific policy,' laying out a code of conduct that includes disclosing research methods and objectively processing data. But it ignores high-up supervisors and political appointees.

'It punishes the victims,' said Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. 'It would be like saying we're going to combat burglary by fining homeowners for failing to put double locks on their doors and letting the burglars go.'"

Emily Yehle reports for Greenwire September 7, 2010.