James Barcia: “I rise in support of H.R. 64, the Strengthening Science at the Environmental Protection Agency Act, legislation that…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 64, the Strengthening Science at the Environmental Protection Agency Act, legislation that will ensure that science plays a proper role at the Environmental Protection Agency. We must be sure that science will serve as the basis for sound regulations that do not unduly impede economic development. I want to thank Congressman Sherwood Boehlert and Vernon Ehlers who worked closely with myself and Congressman Ralph Hall to craft a truly bipartisan piece of legislation. This legislation addresses recommendations made by the National Academy of Sciences and will do much to improve the quality of science at the Environmental Protection Agency. This legislation emphasizes that research is integral to the mission of EPA to protect human health and the environment. The creation of a Deputy Administrator for Science and Technology will ensure that science has an equal seat at the table when important decisions are made. Any regulation issued by the EPA must be based on the best scientific information available. I believe that the elevated status of this new position will ensure this is the case. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 64.”