Washington, D.C., November 19, 2014 – This week the House took action to require the EPA to be more transparent and balanced in the science used to formulate regulations. The House passed two bills to reform the EPA’s Science Advisory Board and require the agency to publicly release the science behind its regulation. 

“For too long the EPA has been allowed to formulate regulations that affect the lives of millions of Americans behind closed doors,” said Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV). “These are common sense steps to increase transparency and accountability at the EPA.” 

“Opening up the regulatory process and allowing the public to see the science behind the EPA’s decisions will ensure a more vigorous debate over regulations that have a significant impact on our economy,” said McKinley. 

The two bills passed with bipartisan support: 

• EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act (H.R. 1422): Requires the EPA Science Advisory Board to include representation from state and local governments and restricts the board to providing guidance on science, rather than making policy recommendations.

• Secret Science Reform Act of 2014 (H.R. 4012): Prohibits the EPA from issuing a regulation unless the scientific and technical information it is based on is identified and released publicly. 

President Obama has threatened to veto both bills.

“Why is President Obama opposed to making the EPA’s process more accountable and transparent?” said McKinley. “The President has boasted his Administration is the most transparent in history. If they have nothing to hide, the EPA should be willing to follow an open process.”