"U.S. EPA still hasn't implemented 20-year-old recommendations to improve the management of its laboratories, leaving the agency's research and technical activities "fragmented and largely uncoordinated," the Government Accountability Office has found. The problems could impede EPA's ability to handle upcoming budget cuts as Congress looks for ways to reduce spending and pay down the deficit, the watchdog agency says.""

"In light of the looming cuts, EPA will need to more effectively use its labs, but the agency’s ability to do so may be hampered by the lack of both an overarching plan to coordinate scientific efforts throughout the agency and a top science official, GAO said."

Emily Yehle reports for Greenwire August 25, 2011. [2]