All members of the EPA’s scientific advisory boards were dismissed in a sweeping move critics say could pave the way for weaker environmental regulations.
Marianne Lavelle reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The EPA removed all members of its Science Advisory Board and Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, claiming it was resetting the panels to reduce politicization.
- Critics argue the move clears the way for industry-friendly appointees, continuing a trend from the first Trump administration that sidelined academic researchers in favor of industry scientists.
- The advisory boards play a key role in shaping environmental regulations and providing expert opinions that can influence legal challenges to EPA policies.
Key quote:
“This is not about good governance, this is about rigging the system for polluters; corruption at the expense of the American people.”
— U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Why this matters:
Science advisory boards help ensure environmental policies are based on independent research, not political or industry agendas. Without rigorous scientific scrutiny, policies could shift toward looser regulations, allowing higher levels of harmful pollutants.
Related: EPA removes members from key science advisory panels
