Summary
Creates a new set of rules called 'Gold Standard Science' to make sure government research is honest, clear, and trustworthy.
What problem does this solve?
Public trust in science has dropped because some government agencies have used misleading or biased information. This order creates strict new rules to make sure government science is reliable, clear, and based on solid proof.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government employees
- Government contractors
- Scientists and researchers receiving federal funding
What does this order do?
Establishes 'Gold Standard Science' principles
Creates a new set of rules for government science. This standard requires research to be reproducible, transparent, unbiased, and open to being proven wrong.
Reverts to past scientific integrity policies
Requires all government agencies to follow the scientific integrity policies that were in place on January 19, 2021. It also cancels any policies created between 2021 and 2025.
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Improving the Use, Interpretation, and Communication of Scientific Data
Increases public access to government data
Requires agencies to make the data, models, and analyses they use for important decisions available to the public. This includes information that is used in peer-reviewed studies.
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Improving the Use, Interpretation, and Communication of Scientific Data
Limits the use of 'worst-case scenario' models
Directs agencies to be clear about the assumptions they use in scientific models. They should only rely on highly unlikely or worst-case scenarios when the law requires it.
Creates new enforcement processes
Requires every agency head to set up a process for looking into claims that these new science rules have been broken. A high-level official will be in charge of this process.
Reviews all science-related actions from the past four years
Orders agencies to review all regulations, guidance, and policies made between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025, to make sure they follow this new order.
What is the real world impact?
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Removes social and equity goals from scientific research
States that the previous administration politicized science by including diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. This order aims to remove those considerations from the planning and execution of government science.
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Reverses the prior administration's science policies
Cancels a 2021 presidential memo on scientific integrity and requires agencies to go back to the policies that were in place on January 19, 2021. It also orders a review of all science-related actions taken by the previous administration.
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Increases control over how agencies use science
Establishes a new framework, 'Gold Standard Science,' that all federal agencies must follow. This gives the White House more direct control over the scientific standards and processes used across the government.
When does this start?
This order sets several deadlines for government agencies to follow, starting from May 23, 2025.
Guidance on 'Gold Standard Science'
Within 30 days, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy must issue guidance on how to implement the new science standards.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Improving the Use, Interpretation, and Communication of Scientific Data
New rules for data use take effect
Within 30 days, all agency employees must begin following new rules for how they use, understand, and share scientific data.
Agency progress reports
Within 60 days of the new guidance being published, agency heads must report on the actions they have taken to put 'Gold Standard Science' into practice.