ICYMI: Senate, House Introduce Bill to Ensure Open E.P.A. Science

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Kristina Baum - 202.224.6176

Donelle Harder - 202.224.1282

ICYMI: Senate, House Introduce Bill to Ensure Open E.P.A. Science

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today introduced the Secret Science Reform Act to ensure future E.P.A. regulations are based on the best accessible science. Similar legislation passed the House in the 113th Congress with bipartisan support.

Chairman Smith: "Costly regulations should not be created behind closed doors and out of public view. The data that underpins E.P.A. regulations should be accessible to the public so that independent scientists have a fair chance to verify findings. Hardworking American families foot the bill for EPA's billion dollar regulations and have a right to know that policy is based on sound science and thoughtful analysis. Our freedoms are best protected when citizens are informed. The Secret Science Reform Act would prohibit the E.P.A. from using science they aren't willing to make public. This bill works toward a more accountable government that the American people want and deserve."

Senator Barrasso: "For years, the E.P.A. has based its rules and regulations on secret data that they refuse to publish and make accessible to all Americans. Since the American people bear the expensive costs of E.P.A. red tape, they deserve to have access to the science behind these regulations. Our bill will force the Obama Administration to finally start living up to its claim of being the 'most transparent administration' in history."

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.): "The real test for sound science is transparency and reproducibility. Especially at a time when the American people are facing costly and burdensome E.P.A. regulations, underlying science must be scientifically sound and unbiased. I am in strong support of Senator Barrasso and Representative Smith's Secret Science Reform Act, which will ensure scientific research used by the E.P.A. to propose regulations meets this basic test."

The White House has previously voiced support for regulatory transparency and making scientific and technical information accessible. In accordance with White House recommendations, the Secret Science Reform Act addresses these issues while also protecting personal and confidential information. This common-sense approach to regulatory science is consistent with the data access requirements of major scientific journals and the promises of this administration.

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