Grayson Improves Ethanol, EPA Science Advisory Board Bills
Representative Passes 6 Amendments in Today’s Science and Tech Markup
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-09) passed six amendments during a Science, Space, and Technology Committee markup. His amendments comprised two-thirds of the nine amendments passed by the 39 member committee.
Members of the committee first considered H.R. 875, which focused on the assessment of research implications related to the use of mid-level ethanol blends.
Grayson passed three amendments to H.R. 875, and was the only member to submit successful amendments to the bill. Grayson’s first amendment ensures that marine engines, often used on Central Florida lakes for fishing or recreational purposes, are treated consistently in this legislation. Another requires that scientific assessments of mid-level ethanol blends’ impact on the environment include carbon emissions.
The committee also marked up H.R. 1422, a bill that addresses the membership of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (EPA SAB). The EPA SAB reviews scientific research and provides recommendations to the Agency on technical matters.
Grayson’s first amendment to H.R. 1422 limits the influence of special interests by prohibiting registered lobbyists from serving on the EPA SAB. Grayson explained the amendment during the hearing by saying, “This amendment prohibits registered lobbyists from service on the Science Advisory Board. If there are any Members who want to extol the virtue of lobbyists and oppose this amendment, I would love to hear it. I’ll yield to him or her.” The amendment then passed unanimously, by voice vote, without further discussion.
Grayson continued his efforts to limit the influence of special interests on government advisory boards and panels in two more amendments to the bill. Amendments 451 and 452 explicitly state that existing laws, which protect against conflicts of interest on these bodies, may not be watered down by any provision of H.R. 1422.
Grayson has now passed a total of ten amendments during committee markups this year.
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 8th Congressional District in the 111th Congress.
