By Christina Marcos - March 18, 2015

The House passed legislation on Tuesday to modify the selection process for members of the Environmental Protection Agency's Scientific Advisory Board.

The bill would prohibit the board, which advises the EPA on its regulations, from appointing members who are registered lobbyists. It would also require that at least 10 percent of board members be from state, local or tribal governments.
Republicans argued that the bill would increase transparency at the EPA...

The House adopted, 242-175, an amendment offered by Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.) that would completely prohibit people from becoming members of the board if they currently receive EPA grants or contracts. Members of the board would be banned from applying for EPA contracts or grants for three years upon completion of their service.

The White House issued a veto threat against the legislation, saying it would "negatively affect the appointment of experts and would weaken the scientific independence and integrity" of the board.
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