Journalism and Science Groups Outraged at EPA Attempts to Muzzle Scientists

U.S. EPA is blocking its science advisers from speaking freely to the public and the press, according to a letter sent to EPA chief Gina McCarthy by journalism and scientific advocacy groups. At a recent closed-door meeting of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board, the entity that EPA convenes to independently review the scientific underpinnings of many of the agency’s rulemakings, EPA issued a memorandum outlining the policy for EPA advisers to handle inquiries from the press and the public. Science advisers are directed to refer those requests to EPA employees so that the Office of External Affairs can determine the agency's response. This policy "undermines EPA's efforts to increase transparency" and "reinforces any perception that the agency prioritizes message control over the ability of scientists who advise the agency to share their expertise with the public," the letter said. The EPA Science Advisory Board was set up by Congress to review the quality and relevance of science being used by EPA and review agency research programs, with members including university professors, corporate scientists, medical doctors and other experts. They are not employees of EPA. This comes on the heels of Congressional outrage at the EPA’s attempts to similarly interfere with communications between the House Science Committee and the Science Advisory Board on the board’s review of the Connectivity Report that ostensibly represents the scientific basis for the agency’s rulemaking redefining “waters of the U.S.” At a recent hearing, Science Committee members expressed frustration and dismay that EPA would intercept communications and suggested questions for the board to consider as it reviews the science and the rule. For more information, contact Scott Berry at (703) 837-5321 or berrys@agc.org.