Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov  (202) 224-9797 - Inhofe

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov  (202) 224-5642 - Inhofe

Gregory Keeley Gregory_Keeley@barrasso.senate.gov (202) 224-6441 -  Barrasso

Inhofe, Barrasso Urge EPA To Fill EPA IG Slot

Link to Letter

Washington, D.C.-Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the EPW Subcommittee on Oversight, today sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson urging the appointment of a full time Inspector General to the EPA.

"The oversight function of the IG is critical to ensuring that EPA officials follow the law and implement environmental policies efficiently and cost-effectively," Inhofe said.  "Thus it's troubling that the Administration has not filled this key position. When it comes to oversight of the agency-whether on greenhouse gas regulation or other policies with significant economic impacts-this Administration has been uncooperative, in some cases ignoring Congress and its requests for information.  Having no appointed IG and obstructing congressional oversight demonstrates that this Administration is not serious about governing with transparency and openness."

"This Administration has found time to appoint an entire shadow cabinet of policy czars," Barrasso said.  "They should also have the time to nominate an Inspector General for Senate confirmation.  Transparency and accountability must be restored to the Administration's energy and climate change decisions."

Full Text of Letter Below:

October 15, 2009

The Honorable Lisa Jackson

Administrator

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator Jackson:

We are concerned that the Administration has yet to appoint a full time Inspector General for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The Inspector General position at any federal agency is an important "watchdog" position that allows the public to know that oversight is occurring. 

It has been nearly a year since the Administration has been in office.  Over that time, the EPA has proposed a series of regulations to monitor and regulate greenhouse gases which could cost millions of Americans their jobs.  The process behind these regulations has raised many unanswered questions about how they were developed.  We are concerned that not having a full time EPA Inspector General appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate, fails to provide proper oversight of your agency's actions. 

For example, Dr. Alan Carlin and a colleague, "prepared a 98-page analysis" arguing the EPA should "take another look" at the EPA's scientific data behind the endangerment finding that carbon dioxide is a threat to public health and welfare.  A senior EPA official suppressed this detailed account of the most up-to-date science of climate change.  This raises serious questions about the process behind, and the substance of, the EPA's proposed finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare.  It also raises questions if the conduct was proper, and if not, whether adequate safeguards were instituted by EPA to prevent similar situations in the future.

There are also a number of questions about the role of Presidential "czars" and their influence over regulatory policy-making at federal agencies, including the EPA.  Despite assurances that proper procedures and lines of authority established by law are being followed, there is no ability for Congress to independently confirm that such is occurring.  The appointment of an Inspector General would provide the independent oversight needed to ensure that the duties and responsibilities of EPA officials are in compliance with law.

Not moving forward with a nomination to the Senate for an EPA Inspector General fails to meet the Administration's objective to put a premium on transparency and openness.  We offer our assistance in filling this important position without delay.

Sincerely,

JAMES M. INHOFE

JOHN BARRASSO, MD       

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