Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on Tuesday that detailed issues the agency’s independent scientists have raised about the science that supports new power plant rules.
“The EPA’s regulations must have a sound scientific and technical basis,” Smith said. “This principle cannot be compromised. The agency should not act to unilaterally impose regulations on the American people, particularly when its own advisors have expressed reservations regarding the science on which those regulations are based.”
The Science Advisory Board Work Group tasked with reviewing EPA regulatory actions recently recommended a review of scientific data that supports the New Source Performance Standards proposal.
The EPA expedited the NSPS proposal before the agency’s independent scientists could adequately peer review the science, according to a memo from the SAB Work Group.
“Given the massive effect of this rule on the American economy, the agency cannot afford to cut corners,” Smith said. “The agency’s stubborn insistence on placing its judgment above that of its science advisors raises serious concerns that the EPA’s rulemaking is based more on partisan politics than sound science.”
Smith called on the EPA to quickly address the issues that independent scientists have raised with its NSPS proposal.