Minn. Scientist Demoted As Scott Pruitt Reshuffles EPA Advisory Boards

"Retired U Prof. Deborah Swackhamer says Trump administration is downgrading science. "

"Deborah Swackhamer, a prominent water chemist, was dumped as chair of a key science panel at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday as part of a dramatic restructuring of how the agency gets scientific advice.

Swackhamer, a retired University of Minnesota professor, has drawn the public spotlight this year for sharply criticizing EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. She said Tuesday that Pruitt is turning the agency’s scientific advisory boards into committees that will “rubber stamp his agenda: deregulation.”

Late Tuesday, Pruitt announced he would appoint new leadership to three panels: The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which guides the agency on the science underlying regulations; the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee; and the Board of Scientific Counselors. Swackhamer recently chaired the latter board, and she will remain a member at least until March."

Josephine Marcotty reports for the Minneapolis Star Tribune November 2, 2017.

SEE ALSO:    

"Pruitt Demotes Critic As He Remakes Science Boards" (Greenwire)

"Scott Pruitt Primes the E.P.A. for a Fossil-Fuel Takeover" (Vanity Fair)

"Texas Toxicologist Who Rejects Basic Science Appointed to EPA Science Board" (Texas Observer)