EPA waits — and waits and waits — for a science nominee

摘要

Nine years and counting. That’s how long EPA has been waiting for a Senate-confirmed leader for its science office. And President Biden has not yet announced a nominee for assistant administrator for research and development at EPA, leaving many observers apprehensive. The job, leading the research office of the country’s premier environmental health agency, has a key role to play as the Biden administration seeks to bolster science in the federal government. Under the Biden administration, top officials for the agency’s program offices dealing with chemicals and water have been confirmed by the Senate along with its administrator and deputy head. Nominees to lead EPA’s enforcement, legal, international and tribal affairs, and solid waste offices have also been sent for consideration.