EPA's Scientific Integrity Policy
EPA's 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy
EPA has a strong culture of scientific integrity centered on the adherence to professional practices Conducting oneself with the qualities that are characterized by skill, competence, ethics, and courtesy. Professional practices may vary by scientific discipline and sub-discipline. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy], ethical behavior Activities that reflect the norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior such as honesty, lawfulness, equity, and professionalism. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy], and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science The careful study of the structure and behavior of the physical world, especially by watching, doing experiments, and developing theories to describe the results. “Science” and “scientific” are expansive terms that refer to the full spectrum of scientific endeavors, e.g., basic science, applied science, engineering, technology, economics, social sciences (including program evaluation), and statistics, as well as the scientific and technological information derived from these endeavors. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy] and scientific activities Activities that involve the development and application of scientific methods and theories in a systematic manner, including, but not limited to data collection, inventorying, monitoring, statistical analysis, surveying, observations, experimentation, study, research, integration, economic analysis, forecasting, predictive analytics, inference, modeling, technology development, scientific assessment, and qualitative analysis. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy]. EPA's Scientific Integrity Policy (Policy) establishes practices and procedures needed to maintain and enhance scientific integrity at EPA and carries forward many of EPA's priorities from the 2012 policy including addressing inappropriate influence The attempt to shape or interfere in scientific activities or the communication about or use of scientific activities or findings against well-accepted scientific methods, processes, and theories without scientific justification. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy] and political interference Interference in the conduct, use, or communication of science directed or conducted by political officials and/or motivated by political considerations. It also includes interference by career employees and other covered entities acting under the direction of a political appointee or for their own political purposes. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy] in science. EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy does not bind decision-makers to particular policy outcomes but rather lays out processes and practices to ensure that the best available science is presented to agency decision-makers and informs our work.
The Policy also includes a federal-wide definition of scientific integrity The adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities. Inclusivity, transparency, and protection from inappropriate influences are hallmarks of Scientific Integrity. [EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy], descriptions of our roles and responsibilities across EPA to uphold scientific integrity, and definitions of essential terms related to scientific integrity. The 2025 Policy supersedes the 2012 Scientific Integrity Policy.
2025 U.S. EPA Scientific Integrity Policy (pdf)
EPA's 2012 Scientific Integrity Policy
EPA's first Scientific Integrity Policy was released in 2012. It provided the initial framework intended to ensure scientific integrity throughout EPA and promote scientific and ethical standards.