The use of science in the formulation of regulatory policy – by both the Executive Branch and the Congress – has become a political flashpoint in recent decades. Policy makers often claim that particular regulatory decisions have been driven by, or even required by science; their critics, in turn, have attacked the quality or the interpretation of that science.

Such conflict has left the U.S. with a system that is plagued by charges that science is being “politicized” and that regulation lacks a solid scientific basis. As a result, needed regulation may be stymied, dubious regulations may be adopted, issues can drag on without conclusion and policy debate is degraded. Moreover, the morale of scientists is weakened, and public faith in both government and science is undermined.

New processes are needed – approaches that will be seen as legitimate by most stakeholders on all sides of issues and that will make policy making more transparent. To come up with new approaches, the Bipartisan Policy Center assembled a diverse panel of experts to develop recommendations for both the Executive Branch and the Congress on how to improve the way science is used in making regulatory policy across the government’s areas of responsibility. The panel includes liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats, scientists and policy experts, and leaders with experience in government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations. The goal of the panel is to issue a report this summer with specific recommendations for both the Executive Branch and Congress.