"WASHINGTON -- Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter says he won't delay a Senate vote on President Barack Obama's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency after securing a deal to boost transparency at the agency."

"Vitter, the top Republican on the Senate environment panel, has been one of the biggest obstacles to Gina McCarthy's nomination. In May, he led a GOP boycott that delayed a critical vote to advance her bid. She eventually cleared the panel solely on votes from Democrats.

In a letter Tuesday, the EPA agreed to obtain data used in its air pollution studies and convene an expert panel to review how it estimates the costs and benefits of pollution rules.

It will also publish online efforts, including legal notices, by outside groups to influence the timing of regulations."

Dina Cappiello reports for the Associated Press July 9, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Sen. David Vitter: No filibuster on Gina McCarthy" (Politico) [3]

"Vitter Drops Filibuster Threat On EPA Nominee Gina McCarthy" (Washington Post) [4]

"Obama’s EPA Pick Clears One Hurdle" (Wall St. Journal) [5]

"Republican Senator Won't Fillibuster Obama's EPA Pick" (Reuters) [6]

"Key Republican Drops Opposition To EPA Nominee" (AP) [7]