Some leading university researchers “are being purged” from key EPA advisory panels under a rule announced by Administrator Scott Pruitt that bars membership by scientists at the same time they receive EPA grant money, says Science magazine. “It marks a major change in who can serve on the committees, which help steer EPA research and regulations by providing input on scientific questions.”
Pruitt signaled his intentions earlier this year when he moved to end the service of numerous researchers on several advisory boards. The new rule covers three major EPA committees, the Scientific Advisory Board, the Board of Scientific Counselors and the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, and is intended to prevent conflicts of interest, according to Pruitt.
“He has not raised similar concerns about potential conflicts of interest for scientists who work for regulated industries or state and local governments subject to EPA regulation. A majority of the scientists on the EPA committees have traditionally hailed from academia, with a handful from private industry, environmental groups and state and local governments,” said Science. “Regulated industries have been pushing for years to boost their presence on these advisory boards. The U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year passed a Republican-backed bill that mirrors much of what Pruitt did today.”
Environmental groups said the new policy will weaken the stature of the panels and favor groups that seek less regulation.