EPA is seeking public feedback on a large pool of applicants — a motley group that includes mainstream academic researchers, people with fringe views and representatives of industries subject to federal environmental regulations — for seats on an influential advisory panel.
Among the pool of 165 nominees for the Science Advisory Board are at least several members of the CO2 Coalition, a prominent climate science denial group, and employees of companies like Exxon Mobil and chemical giant Chemours, both of which are covered by an array of rules ranging from air pollution standards to “forever chemicals” regulations. Other candidates include scientists from the University of Wisconsin and other schools who have previously served on the board or affiliated panels.
After seeking nominations in May, EPA posted the roster unannounced earlier this month.
The panel, which has traditionally served as an in-house think tank for EPA on a variety of scientific and technical issues, has been dormant since the previous incumbents were all fired soon after President Donald Trump returned to office in late January.
