McEachin on Changes for the EPA's Scientific Review Board

RICHMOND – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) released this statement following EPA's dismissal of scientific review board members and the Chesapeake Bay's annual report:

“The Environmental Protection Agency recently dismissed members of the scientific review board, which sends yet another signal that science and facts are easily disregarded and dismissed by this administration.  Scientists determine the need for environmental protections based on facts and actual data. They do not have an economic interest in ignoring serious problems.

“Today, the Chesapeake Bay, for the second year in a row received a grade of "C" for its health. While we need to see more improvement, this is at least a continuation of a passing grade. Without scientists making the determinations at the EPA, how can we possibly expect the Chesapeake Bay to become healthier, let alone maintain this merely passing grade?

“The Chesapeake Bay is a source of jobs, tourism income, transportation and food for people of Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and neighboring states. The positive progress in this morning’s report confirms that when we use science and facts to correct the human impact on climate change, we will see results. Our goal is to get the Chesapeake Bay to an “A” rating and we need scientific oversight to do that. My support for a cleaner, safer, healthier Bay will never waiver.”

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Contact: Jamitress Bowden
(202) 225-6365