EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Members of Congress have been asking for greater transparency from the EPA's Science Advisory Board for years, and the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act, we believe, addresses those concerns.

Currently, the board is made up of 52 members appointed by the Administrator of the EPA to serve 3-year terms. The large majority of these members are affiliated with academic institutions, while private industry and other interested parties are unrepresented.

The only State governments represented are California and Vermont, while tribal and local governments have no representation on the board. Under H.R. 1422, at least 10 percent of the board members will be from States, local governments, or tribal entities.

The bill reinforces peer-review requirements and reduces conflicts of interest while providing opportunity for disinterested panelists to make their views known.

The EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act promises fairness, transparency, and independence to ensure unbiased advice is given to the EPA.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Stewart), and I ask unanimous consent that he be permitted to control the time.

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