Pruitt Announces 'Secret Science' Rule Blocking Use of Crucial Health Research
Originally posted on insideclimatenews.org
Written by Sabrina Shankman
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new regulation on Tuesday to restrict the types of scientific evidence that can be used in writing EPA rules. Scientists and health organizations say the move could rule out the use of major health studies that support clean air and water regulations and that promised the participants confidentiality.
Scott Pruitt's proposal would only allow the EPA to use studies where the underlying data is made public. Internal documents show how the rule is the culmination of a years-long effort led by Republican Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, chairman of the House Science Committee, and other industry-aligned politicians and political appointees.
Critics of the policy change say any claims that it's being done in the name of transparency are red herrings.