Palmer Signs Letter Challenging Claims Made by EPA Administrator McCarthy

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL), along with 12 other members of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, signed a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy challenging claims she made during testimony before the Committee in July about the impact of the EPA's regulatory agenda.

"During the hearing, Administrator McCarthy appears to have made false and misleading statements regarding the slate of new rules and regulations being pursued by the EPA," Palmer said. "These statements underscore my concerns about the lengths that the EPA is willing to go to in order to justify regulations not supported by science, but that will have an enormously negative impact on individuals, families, and the economy as a whole."

In her appearance before the Committee, McCarthy claimed that the figures in the final "Waters of the United States" rule promulgated by the EPA were based on sound science. This claim is contradicted by internal memos from the Army Corps of Engineers.

She also claimed that states are not penalized for ozone emissions that are out of their control, such as background levels of ozone, saying that this would not present a compliance issue for states. However, Ms. McCarthy failed to mention that EPA has made statements to the contrary.

Additionally, the Administrator claimed that the EPA has never taken action to withhold Department of Transportation funds from states and localities for failure to comply with EPA regulations. Evidence shows these sanctions have been imposed as many as 13 times.

For any additional questions, contact:
Cliff Smith, (202) 225-4921, clifford.smith@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology. Visit Palmer online at his website or via Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram.