Barrasso-Vitter Introduce Bill to Block EPA From Using Secret Science to Justify Regulations

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), David Vitter (R-LA), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced legislation to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using undisclosed science to justify new rules and regulations. The Secret Science Reform Act of 2014 would specifically block the EPA from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating regulations or assessments based upon science that is not made publically available to the American people.

"Since the American people bear the expensive costs of EPA red tape, they deserve to have access to the science behind the EPA's proposals," said Barrasso. "For years, the EPA has based its rules and regulations on secret data that they refuse to publish and make available to all Americans. If the Administration wants to finally live up to its claim of being the "most transparent administration' in U.S. history, they'll immediately support our bill."

"Implementing expensive rules and regulations by hiding the underlying science is the norm at the EPA. This Administration promised transparency and accountability, but they've completely failed to do so," said Vitter. "I'm proud to work with Senator Barrasso and my colleagues in the Senate on this necessary legislation that will help EPA and the Obama Administration fulfill their promise to the American people."

The House version of this legislation (H.R. 4012) was introduced by House Science Committee Subcommittee on Environment Chairman David Schweikert (R-AZ), and passed the House Science Committee on June 24, 2014 by a voice vote.

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