The White House last Friday released its response to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists that claims

the administration is distorting and censoring scientific findings that contradict its policies; manipulating the underlying science to align results with predetermined political decisions; and undermining the independence of science advisory panels by subjecting panel nominees to political litmus tests that have little or no bearing on their expertise; nominating non-experts or underqualified individuals from outside the scientific mainstream or with industry ties; as well as disbanding science advisory committees altogether.

The administration response, authored by the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, John Marburger, is a 20 page, point-by-point rebuttal. The gist:

In this Administration, science strongly informs policy. It is important to remember, however, that even when the science is clear – and often it is not – it is but one input into the policy process.