Commentary: WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, ranking member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced several unprecedented changes to the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.
“The Trump EPA’s continued attack on science will likely be one of the most lasting and damaging legacies of this administration. Administrator Pruitt is purging expert scientists from his science boards – and replacing them with mouthpieces for big polluters. Now, instead of independent science guiding the way, hired guns for industry will be steering EPA policy on central issues affecting clean air, clean water, and public health. At every turn, the Trump EPA has acted to reward its big money industry donors at the expense of the health of American families and our environment. Shutting out science at the EPA is perhaps not a surprising move for the Trump administration, but that doesn’t make this decision any less outrageous or dangerous.”