This article explores how private actors leverage science in U.S. agrochemical regulations.
Context:
Domestic health and safety standards often rest on scientific evidence, yet the source of this evidence matters greatly.
The Puzzle:
How do companies strategically use scientific information when they stand to lose under stricter rules?
Methodology and Data:
Researchers tracked U.S. agrochemical standards over two decades alongside firm-level petition data and historical records.
Key Insight:
Companies actively seek preferential treatment by selectively providing or emphasizing certain aspects of scientific evidence.
This finding reveals a complex dynamic: corporations can use science not just to comply but also to influence regulations in their favor, raising questions about the impartiality of regulatory processes.
