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Trump’s EPA continues to destroy 45 year legacy of Protection

“Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, stripped a half-dozen scientists and academics of advisory positions Tuesday and issued new rules barring anyone who receives E.P.A. grant money from serving on panels that counsel the agency on scientific decisions.

The move will effectively bar a large number of academic researchers, many of them experts in fields ranging from toxicology to epidemiology, from advising the E.P.A. on scientific matters, since the agency is one of the largest funders of environmental research.

Mr. Pruitt was expected to appoint several industry representatives to the panels. He did not impose any new restrictions to prevent them from offering advice on environmental regulations that may affect their businesses.”

More from the New York Times coverage here.

In addition to the nightmarish cast of nominees for top EPA positions, the Trump Administration has been chipping away at our environmental legacy by trying to subvert the rule making process, and changing internal agency procedures that are not subject to public comment or congressional oversight.

Unfortunately there is little we can do to directly influence some of these steps, but today, we offer a few ideas for effective resistance.

First, call our Members of Congress to voice your disappointment and alarm.

  • Call Mike Turner at 202-225-6465
  • Call Rob Portman at 202-224-3353
  • Call Sherrod Brown at 202-224-2315

Script:  “Hi, my name is [NAME] and i’m calling from [ADDRESS].  I am extremely disappointed with Scott Pruitt’s recent decision to politicize EPA science advisory panel rules, and to inject industry influence into what was once a purely scientific process.  I am concerned that his move to bar scientists and install industry allies will compromise the health and well-being of my family and my neighbors in the Miami Valley.  Please exercise any and all Congressional oversight of Mr. Pruitt’s actions and restore the science to our science advisory panels.”

Next, we all must read up on resisting agency actions, which are different than Congressional actions.

Visit this website and download a guide aimed at equipping all of us to effectively push back against Scott Pruitt’s radical changes to the EPA.  This guide describes the various parts of the rule making process that we can target to slow things down and register our displeasure.

Let us know in the comments what some of your top environmental issues of concern are, and how you would like to see our group mobilize on them!