Research Guides: CMN 456: Propaganda and Persuasion (UNH Durham) Borda: Government Information

Introduction

Many levels of government collect, publish, and disseminate an extensive amount of information and statistics on a wide range of topics.

Government Agencies

One way to specifically look for government information, including from federal and state agencies, is to use Google and search: site:.gov [topic keywords]. For example: site:.gov statistics e-cigarettes. Include a specific state if that's relevant.

Some examples of government information sites:

Climate change

Climate Change Indicators: Weather and Climate
From USA EPA. View indicators related to temperature, precipitation, storm activity, flood, and drought.
Global Climate Dashboard
Tracking climate change and natural variability over time through graphs and text
NASA's Eyes on Extreme Weather
Text complemented by satellite imagery
Scientific Consensus: Earth's Climate Is Warming (NASA)
More information is available through other menu options on this site: evidence, causes, effects, vital signs, and FAQs
How Do We Know Climate Change is Real?
From NASA, a compilation of evidence regarding pace of climate change; references provided
What evidence exists that Earth is warming and that humans are the main cause? (climate.gov)
From NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Information about each emission category includes emissions and trends
Global warming frequently asked questions
FAQs on basics, causes, impacts, and actions. Includes references.

Vaping

2016 Surgeon General's Report: E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults
Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Lung Injuries Associated with Use of Vaping Products
From US Food & Drug Adminstration
Notes from the Field: E-Cigarette Use Among Middle and High School Students — National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2021
Source: CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
An Epidemic Continues: Youth Vaping in America (Testimony)
Janet Woodcock, M.D., Acting FDA Commissioner
FDA Denies Authorization to Market JUUL Products
June 23, 2022 Food & Drug Administration press release, with updates about later court and administrative actions.

Congressional Hearings & Reports

Congress, through committees in the House and Senate, investigates many topics of public interest. Committee hearings offer testimony from experts, involved parties, and others as well as reporting Q&A between witnesses and committee members.

Congress.gov
The official website for U.S. federal legislative information. Find bill text, track bill history and activity, get information on current members of Congress, and more.

For ExxonMobil case study:

Search: exxon climate change; change "Current Congress" to "All Congresses"
On results page, limit to Committee meetings and scroll down - there are at least two entries entitled "Examining the Oil Industry's Efforts to Suppress the Truth about Climate Change"

For Juul case study:

Search: vaping; change "Current Congress" to "All Congresses"
On results page, limit to Committee meetings - some of these will be committee hearings on vaping and e-cigarettes