Government rejects scientist's claim it tried to cover up his pesticide research

Nonprofit released confidential decision in complex case involving monarch butterflies, scientific freedom and the safety of the nation's food supply

Federal officials have rejected a complaint by an entomologist who charged that the government has tried to suppress negative research findings about a widely used pesticide, in a complex case involving monarch butterflies, scientific freedom and the safety of the nation's food supply.

The confidential decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was disclosed Monday by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Peer), a nonprofit group that offers aid and advice to whistleblowers and scientists.