Seven States + DC Threaten To Sue Pruitt’s EPA Over Proposal To Restrict Science

A group of eight Democratic attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (D), have threatened to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over a proposal that would restrict the science the agency could use in writing and enforcing regulations.

“In light of the far-reaching impact the proposal could have on EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment, we ask that you withdraw the proposed rule and convene a process to first consult with the National Academy of Sciences and other independent scientists and science organizations before deciding whether any proposed changes to EPA’s current use of scientific evidence are in order,” they wrote in a letter to EPA head Scott Pruitt.

The group, representing seven states and Washington, D.C., also asked Pruitt to extend the current 30-day public comment period by “at least” 150 days.

The Hill added:

The proposal released last month sought to improve transparency in scientific decision making and stop the use of “secret science.” Scientific findings and data used by the EPA would have to be reproducible and completely available to anyone wishing to scrutinize it.

Pruitt said that the proposed rule showed “an agency taking responsibility for how we do our work, in respecting process … so that we can enhance confidence in our decision making.”

However, critics say the regulation is unnecessary, hindering the EPA in its mission to protect public health and the environment by stopping the agency from using some major findings on health, pollution and other issues.