| 3.23.22

Reforming the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (H.R. 1422)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H.R. 1422?

(Updated May 10, 2018)

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

H.R. 1422 alters the guidelines for participation in the board, and terms of office. Federally registered lobbyists would be prohibited from being appointed to the SAB. Board member committees and investigative panel operations would be revised to deny them the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board as a whole.

The public and other relevant agencies would be solicited for nominations for people to fill the board. Nominees would have to file disclosures about their financial relationships and interests. 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 Science Advisory Board. It will also reduce conflicts of interest on the board and expand 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, the EPA.

Cost of H.R. 1422

The CBO estimates that implementing the proposed changes would cost less than $500,000 annually, or about $2 million over the 2014-2018 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.