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Bill113th CongressFiled Apr 9, 2013Environmental Protection
H.R. 1422

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2014

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary passed house amended (Nov 18, 2014)

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise requirements for the Science Advisory Board, which gives scientific advice to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and address public disclosure of scientific and technical information that the EPA uses as a basis for agency actions.

Emphasizes that the Board provides such advice independently.

Revises the process of selecting members of the Board. Requires at least 10% of Board membership to represent state, local, or tribal governments. Excludes from membership any federally registered lobbyists.

Directs the Board to ensure that:

  • the points of view represented on the Board are fairly balanced among the members,
  • persons with substantial and relevant expertise are not excluded from the Board because of affiliation with or representation of entities that might have a potential interest in the Board's advisory activities, and
  • members do not participate in advisory activities that involve review or application of their own work.

Revises Board terms of office.

Revises the procedures for providing advice and comments to the EPA by: (1) including draft risk or hazard assessments in the regulatory proposals and documents made available to the Board, and (2) requiring advice and comments to be included in the record regarding any such proposal and published in the Federal Register.

Revises the operation of Board member committees and investigative panels to: (1) require that they operate in accordance with the membership, participation, and policy requirements (including new requirements for public participation in advisory activities of the Board) contained in this Act; (2) deny them authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board; and (3) prohibit direct reporting to EPA.

Revises requirements for public participation and transparency. Requires the EPA and the Board to make all reports and relevant scientific information available to the public concurrently when that information is made available to the Board.

Adds guidelines for the conduct of Board advisory activities, including: (1) avoidance of making policy determinations or recommendations, (2) communication of uncertainties, (3) dissenting members' views, and (4) periodic reviews to ensure that such activities address the most important scientific issues affecting EPA.

(Sec. 3) Prohibits this Act from being construed as supplanting the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act or the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

What just happenedNov 19, 2014

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Stewart, Chris [R-UT-2](R-UT)Sponsor
21 cosponsors21 R
Read on Congress.gov
21cosponsors2committees23actions2amendments2related bills6subjects
  • Referred in SenateNov 19, 2014
  • Engrossed in HouseNov 18, 2014
  • Reported in HouseJul 22, 2013
  • Introduced in HouseApr 9, 2013
  1. Nov 19, 2014IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

  2. Nov 18, 2014FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. Nov 18, 2014FloorH37100

    On passage Passed by recorded vote: 229 - 191 (Roll no. 525).

  4. Nov 18, 2014Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 229 - 191 (Roll no. 525).

  5. Nov 18, 2014FloorH36110

    On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 195 - 225 (Roll no. 524).

  6. Nov 18, 2014FloorH8A000

    The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H8062)

  7. Nov 18, 2014FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sean Maloney motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit people from serving on the Science Advisory Board if they represent a corporation or a trade association with a financial interest in the outcome of the Boards decisions. The reservation of the point of order was subsequently withdrawn.

  8. Nov 18, 2014FloorH36100

    Mr. Maloney, Sean moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. (consideration: CR H8062-8063; text: H8062)

  9. Nov 18, 2014FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 756, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Stewart Part A amendment No. 1.

  10. Nov 18, 2014FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8060-8064)

  11. Nov 18, 2014FloorH8D000

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 1422 had been postponed.

  12. Nov 18, 2014FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1422.

  13. Nov 18, 2014FloorH8D000

    Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. General debate is limited to 1 hour for each bill. The resolution specifies certain amendments are in order for H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. One motion to recommit with instructions is permitted for each bill.

  14. Nov 18, 2014FloorH30000

    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 756. (consideration: CR H8050-8064; text of measure as reported in the House: CR H8050-8051)

  15. Nov 17, 2014FloorH1L210

    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 756 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. General debate is limited to 1 hour for each bill. The resolution specifies certain amendments are in order for H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. One motion to recommit with instructions is permitted for each bill.

  16. Jul 22, 2013CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 119.

  17. Jul 22, 2013CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 113-165.

  18. Jul 22, 2013Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 113-165.

  19. Apr 11, 2013Committee

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 16.

  20. Apr 11, 2013Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  21. Apr 9, 2013IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

  22. Apr 9, 2013IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  23. Apr 9, 2013IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Passed House amendedNov 18, 201436

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise requirements for the Science Advisory Board, which gives scientific advice to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and address public disclosure of scientific and technical information that the EPA uses as a basis for agency actions.

Emphasizes that the Board provides such advice independently.

Revises the process of selecting members of the Board. Requires at least 10% of Board membership to represent state, local, or tribal governments. Excludes from membership any federally registered lobbyists.

Directs the Board to ensure that:

  • the points of view represented on the Board are fairly balanced among the members,
  • persons with substantial and relevant expertise are not excluded from the Board because of affiliation with or representation of entities that might have a potential interest in the Board's advisory activities, and
  • members do not participate in advisory activities that involve review or application of their own work.

Revises Board terms of office.

Revises the procedures for providing advice and comments to the EPA by: (1) including draft risk or hazard assessments in the regulatory proposals and documents made available to the Board, and (2) requiring advice and comments to be included in the record regarding any such proposal and published in the Federal Register.

Revises the operation of Board member committees and investigative panels to: (1) require that they operate in accordance with the membership, participation, and policy requirements (including new requirements for public participation in advisory activities of the Board) contained in this Act; (2) deny them authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board; and (3) prohibit direct reporting to EPA.

Revises requirements for public participation and transparency. Requires the EPA and the Board to make all reports and relevant scientific information available to the public concurrently when that information is made available to the Board.

Adds guidelines for the conduct of Board advisory activities, including: (1) avoidance of making policy determinations or recommendations, (2) communication of uncertainties, (3) dissenting members' views, and (4) periodic reviews to ensure that such activities address the most important scientific issues affecting EPA.

(Sec. 3) Prohibits this Act from being construed as supplanting the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act or the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

Reported to House with amendment(s)Jul 22, 201317

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013 - 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 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA].) Prohibits federally registered lobbyists from being appointed to the Board.

Revises the procedures for providing advice and comments to the Administrator by: (1) including risk or hazard assessments in the regulatory proposals and documents made available to the Board, and (2) requiring advice and comments to be included in the record regarding any such proposal and published in the Federal Register.

Revises the operation of Board member committees and investigative panels to: (1) require that they operate in accordance with the membership, participation, and policy requirements (including new requirements for public participation in advisory activities of the Board) contained in this Act; (2) deny them authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board; and (3) prohibit direct reporting to EPA.

Adds guidelines for the conduct of Board advisory activities, including concerning: (1) avoidance of making policy determinations or recommendations, (2) communication of uncertainties, (3) dissenting members' views, and (4) periodic reviews to ensure that such activities address the most important scientific issues affecting EPA.

Prohibits this Act from being construed as supplanting the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act or the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

Introduced in HouseApr 9, 2013

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013 - 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 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA].)

Revises the procedures for providing advice and comments to the Administrator by: (1) including risk or hazard assessments in the regulatory proposals and documents made available to the Board, and (2) requiring advice and comments to be included in the record regarding any such proposal and published in the Federal Register.

Revises the operation of Board member committees and investigative panels to: (1) require that they operate in accordance with the membership, participation, and policy requirements (including new requirements for public participation in advisory activities of the Board) contained in this Act; (2) deny them authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board; and (3) prohibit direct reporting to EPA.

Adds guidelines for the conduct of Board advisory activities, including concerning: (1) avoidance of making policy determinations or recommendations, (2) communication of uncertainties, (3) dissenting members' views, and (4) periodic reviews to ensure that such activities address the most important scientific issues affecting EPA.

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2014 — Informed