Junk Science Judo
A Short Course
Course Topics
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Course based on "Junk Science Judo" by Steve Milloy © 2001 Cato Institute. All rights reserved.
Advocate Anti-Junk Science Public Policy
Governments generate a lot of junk science. Here are some ways to reduce junk science by changing public policy:
Separate Researchers and Regulators: Politicians and bureaucrats pushing personal crusades and biased agendas are not above misrepresenting scientific "evidence" to advance a favored policy. Research should be designed, conducted, and reviewed by scientists totally ndependent of the regulatory agencies.
Insist on Adequate Judicial Review: Government agencies use junk science with virtual impunity. In court, decisions of federal regulatory agencies are usually adjudged by the very loose standard of "arbitrary and capricious", contained in the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). To check regulatory agency use of junk science, the public should be allowed greater leeway to challenge agencies in court. Agencies should be required to defend their actions on the basis of a standard of, at least, "substantial evidence". This can be done through a legislative change in the APA.
