News Releases from Headquarters

EPA to Accept Nominations for Science Boards

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that a notice will be published in the Federal Register, tomorrow, June 27, seeking nominations for the Science Advisory Board (SAB) and Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). Nominations will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the Federal Register notice. Members serve at the request of the Administrator and are carefully selected for their scientific expertise and independence.

“These boards play an important role at EPA by providing independent advice based on sound science in support of the agency’s mission, and I would like to thank all board members for their service,” said Administrator Pruitt. “I strongly encourage scientific viewpoints from a full range of stakeholders in order to achieve balanced scientific advice.”

In 1978, Congress directed EPA to establish an SAB to provide independent scientific advice to the Administrator on science that underlies agency rulemaking.

As spelled out by the Clean Air Act, CASAC has specific statutory duties, including advice related to air quality standards like the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). A recent Government Accountability Organization report found that CASAC has never provided advice on adverse social, economic or energy effects related to NAAQS because it was not asked to play that role. Moving forward, EPA will ensure the CASAC addresses this serious deficiency and fulfills its complete duties, as spelled out by legislative statute.

“This announcement is an opportunity to provide clear direction for the future of these boards, and we welcome all qualified candidates with a variety of expertise and backgrounds to apply,” said Administrator Pruitt.

Nominations can be submitted on each board’s respective website.

To learn more about SAB and submit a nomination, visit: www.epa.gov/sab

To learn more about CASAC and submit a nomination, visit: www.epa.gov/casac