In its ninth year of work on the issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin the risk assessment process for an important but little-known group of chemicals called endocrine disruptors. However, scientists are concerned early indications of the assessment's construction will produce scientifically suspect results.

In a May 9 hearing, the House Committee on Natural Resources heard witnesses discuss the extent to which Interior Department officials have manipulated scientific assessments when implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The hearing came on the heels of the resignation of a top-ranking official and the release of a departmental investigation that found rules violations and intimidation of agency scientists.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently called for further study of a substance found in rocket fuel before regulation of the contaminant can occur. A Senate champion of environmental protections criticized the decision, which is the latest delay in a regulatory policy EPA has been developing since 1998.

Political officials throughout the Bush administration have edited and manipulated climate science communications, according to a recent report by a nonprofit watchdog group. Evidence shows the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to be involved in the manipulation.