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115th Congress > House > Vote 206
Clerk session vote number: 207
Sponsor: LUCAS, Frank D. (R-OK)
Description: EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2017
Bill summary: EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2017
This bill amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise the process of selecting members of the Science Advisory Board, guidelines for participation in board advisory activities, and terms of office. The board provides scientific advice to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This bill requires the board to independently provide that advice. Registered lobbyists may not be appointed to
the board. Board members may not have current grants or contracts from the EPA and may not apply for them for three years following the end of their board term.
The EPA must provide draft risk or hazard assessments in its regulatory proposals and documents to the board. The board's advice and comments must be included in the record regarding those proposals and published in the Federal Register.
The board's member committees and investigative panels must operate in accordance with the membership, participation, and policy requirements contained in this bill, including new requirements for public participation in advisory activities of the board.
The board must: (1) strive to avoid making policy determinations or recommendations, (2) communicate uncertainties, (3) encourage dissenting members to make their views known, (4) conduct periodic reviews to ensure that its activities address the most important scientific issues affecting the EPA, and (5) respond to Congress fully and in a timely manner.
This bill may not be construed as supplanting the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act or the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Bill titles: To amend the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to provide for Scientific Advisory Board member qualifications, public participation, and for other purposes.
Links for more info on the vote: congress.gov
