| 3.23.22

Reforming the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (H.R. 1029)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H.R. 1029?

(Updated July 13, 2017)

This bill would revise the process by which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chooses members for their Science Advisory Board (SAB).

Through expanded disclosure requirements (among others), this bill changes the guidelines for participation in the board, and terms of office. As the CBO explains:

"Some of the bill’s proposed changes include requiring EPA to solicit nominations from the public and from relevant federal agencies, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Health and Human Services. Nominees also would be required to file a written report disclosing certain financial relationships and interests. Additionally, the bill would require EPA to make risk or hazard assessments available to the SAB and to publish the board’s advice, comments, and views in the Federal Register."

Conduct guidelines would also be created for the Board that include:

Avoiding making non-scientific policy determinations or recommendations.
Communicating uncertainties in scientific findings and conclusions.
Allowing dissenting members’ views to be expressed.
Periodic reviews to ensure that the Board’s activities address the most important scientific issues affecting the EPA.

Argument in favor

This bill will enhance the diversity of thought and perspective on the EPA's Science Advisory Board. Also reduces conflicts of interest and expands opportunities for public involvement.

Argument opposed

Keeping scientists who have received EPA grants off of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board would dilute the pool of talent available to consult on environmental issues.

Impact

Members of the public who want to make a public comment on environmental reviews, members of the Science Advisory Board, people nominated for SAB positions, and the EPA.

Cost of H.R. 1029

The CBO estimates that implementing the proposed changes would cost less than $500,000 annually, or about $2 million over the 2015-2020 period. This funding would primarily be used for additional personnel and related administrative expenses.

Additional Info

In-Depth:

The EPA’s Science Advisory Board was created in 1978 to offer scientific advice to the Administrator of the EPA — reviewing technical information, research programs, and consulting the Administrator as necessary. Much of the Board’s research is done by subcommittees that are focused on specific issues related to environmental science.

A study of the SAB conducted by the Congressional Research Service found that over half of the SAB’s members received research grants from the EPA through their primary workplace. These grants, and concerns about Board members expressing strong policy preferences when they had only been asked for impartial analysis — have led to calls for reforms to eliminate conflicts of interest.

A previous version of this bill that made it through the House was threatened with a veto by the White House, saying that the bill would: