"An EPA official defended the agency’s proposed “secret science” rule, but declined to answer questions about the basis for the rule, which has drawn criticism from environmental groups and other agency watchers.

Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, principal deputy assistant administrator for science at the Environmental Protection Agency, told Democrats on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee that she had to defer questions about statutory authority to other agency officials.

Orme-Zavaleta, a career employee with a doctorate in wildlife science and public health, was asked about a report that the EPA based its authority for the rule on a 1966 statute."

Stephen Lee reports for Bloomberg Environment November 13, 2019. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"EPA: Senior Official Defends Latest 'Secret Science' Proposal" (Greenwire) [3]

"The EPA's Anti-Science ‘Transparency’ Rule Has a Long History" (Wired) [4]

"Scientists Join Democrats In Panning EPA's 'Secret Science' Rule" (The Hill) [5]