Hank Johnson: “I include in the Record a July 11 letter from the Union of Concerned Scientists and also a July 5 letter from the…”

“I include in the Record a July 11 letter from the Union of Concerned Scientists and also a July 5 letter from the AFL-CIO, both opposing H.R. 4768, the so-called Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2016. Union of Concerned Scientists, July 11, 2016. Dear Representative: The Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, representing more than 500,000 members and supporters across the country, strongly opposes H.R. 4768, the deceptively named ``Separation of Powers Restoration Act.'' This misguided legislation would abolish agency deference, a well-established framework under Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, which allows federal agencies that have the scientific and technical expertise, to interpret and administer laws passed by Congress. Instead, H.R. 4768 would undermine the scientific expertise at federal agencies. Courts should be deferring to technical experts at agencies to help actualize our landmark public health, safety, and environmental laws, all of which are grounded in the use of science. If agency deference is abandoned, then the use of scientific analysis and evidence in policymaking would be severely restricted.…”