Fighting for Good Governance and Rule of Law
Public servants are under attack and government is failing in many of its basic functions. That is why PEER insists on high ethical standards, professionalism, accountability, and public participation in decisions that affect public health, the environment and natural resources. We fight for the strengthening of laws affecting open records, whistleblower protections, data quality, and government oversight. We are fierce litigators of freedom of information laws and often call on Inspectors General to investigate government malfeasance.
We use all the tools available to us to help public employees right environmental wrongs and to build the foundation for lasting, positive change.
Scientific Integrity Policies by Agency
These policies were mandated to protect the scientific community.
Public Record Laws by State
FOIA records include information on exemptions to disclosure, access rights, and destruction of public records.
Science Integrity Plan Throws Scientists Under the Bus
OSTP Encourages Dissent but Offers No Legal Protection Against Backlash
NEWS FROM PEER
VIDEO | Testimony Before the House Natural Resources Committee (May 10, 2023)
PEER Executive Director Tim Whitehouse testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources in support and opposition of various bills.
Science Integrity Plan Throws Scientists Under the Bus
OSTP Encourages Dissent but Offers No Legal Protection Against Backlash
OSTP Slips Gag Rule into Model Scientific Integrity Policy
Scientists Prohibited from Policy Recommendations in Presenting Research
EPA Cannot Retrieve Text Message Content
New “Deprovisioning Process” for Employees to “Wipe” Mobile Devices
Park Service Lack of Transparency Created Its Huge FOIA Backlog
The National Park Service is drowning in FOIA requests – the backlog has nearly doubled during the past two years.
PEERMail | What This Election Means
It’s easy to become jaded about elections but climate change efforts, public lands protection, and regulation of toxic chemicals are on the ballot.
PEERMail | Ending a Culture of Reprisal at USGS
We are here to protect scientists like Evi Emmenegger who was fired after reporting dangerous biosafety breaches at a wildlife disease laboratory
PEERMail | Shocking News on Pesticides
PEER is urgently asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of PFAS in pesticides
PEERMail | Save the EPA
On September 20, 2022, thousands of people from around the country will take part in a rally outside of the EPA headquarters in DC.
EPA Routinely Ignores Chemical Risk Calculations
Workers imperiled by failures to flag serious known hazards.
COMMENTARY | Environmental Whistleblowers and the Need for Change at EPA
Environmental whistleblowers may not grab the nation’s attention but they are vital to creating meaningful government reforms.
PEERMail | Supreme Threats
The Supreme Court’s use of the “major questions doctrine” to reach its decision in West Virginia v. EPA sets a frightening precedent.
Trump Holdover’s Hasty Exit Not Fast Enough
Chemical Safety Board Chair Lemos Resigns but Wants to Stay Thru July 22
COMMENTARY | Fighting Government Secrecy
Government agencies are coming up short in their stewardship of environmental information, and that is having real world consequences.
Webinar | Redact This! FOIA On Your Own Terms
Coffee Talk Webinar Series, Episode 2: Explore the power and promise of the Freedom of Information Act. Watch the Video!
EPA Scientist Survey Yields Horrific Results
Scientist Feedback Scathing, Not Shared with Staff
Lack of Scientists Dooms EPA Chemical Reviews
Crippling Staff Shortage in Chemical Safety Work Continues in 2022 Budget
Expertise Gaps Plague EPA Chemical Assessments
EPA Lacks Plan to Fill or Retain Critical Scientific Specialist Positions
Op-Ed | Biden’s Leadership Vacancies at Interior Recall Trump’s Track Record
The department plays a pivotal role in fulfilling many of the administration’s goals. It deserves more than temporary minders.
COMMENTARY | Concern Over President’s Choice to Head Federal Wildlife Agency
The Biden Administration’s pick to lead the Fish and Wildlife Service, Martha Williams, seems to be lacking in the required education.
