The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently withdrew a controversial rule that would have significantly altered the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) program, targeting clean up of polluted waters.

The Bush administration has been screening nominees for federal scientific advisory committees based on their political views rather than their scientific qualifications. Inevitably, as the list below documents, this has meant tilting committees -- whose findings frequently form the basis for regulation -- in favor of corporate interests and conservative ideologues. If you know of any examples we are missing, please e-mail our Regulatory Policy staff CDC Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning

At the urging of industry and the White House Office of Management and Budget, and in apparent violation of the Clean Air Act, EPA is considering whether to offer regulatory exemptions to facilities that emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) based on the level of health risks posed to surrounding communities. Such a move signals a desire within the administration to abandon stringent technology-based controls -- successfully employed for more than a decade -- which could significantly weaken clean air standards and result in more pollution over time.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a final rule February 28 establishing air toxics limits for the brick and clay industry that does not include controversial provisions exempting lower-risk facilities from control.