WASHINGTON — The House has passed two Republican-backed bills that would place new restrictions on the Environmental Protection Agency.
A bill approved Wednesday would require the EPA to disclose scientific data behind proposed reg ulations, while a measure passed Tuesday would prohibit the agency from appointing registered lobbyists to the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.
Both were approved largely along party lines. The scientif ic data bill was approved 241-175, while the advisory board measure was approved 236-181. The four Arkansans in the House — all Republicans — supported both bills.
Republicans said the bills would increase transparency at the EPA and make it more accountable to the public.
The White House has threatened to veto the measures, saying they could delay or prevent environmental decisions and hurt the ability of the science board to advise the agency.
Both bills now go to the Senate.