Washington, D.C. – After thorough review of the response provided by EPA to the Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s recent subpoena, Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today sent a letter stating that the information is insufficient and that the agency currently stands in default. On August 19, 2013, EPA sent a file of already public information along with a letter outlining excuses for why the agency did not comply with the subpoena and produce all of the requested data in a timely manner.
Chairman Smith: “EPA currently stands in default. EPA is using the subpoenaed data to support regulations that could cost the American people trillions of dollars. Yet the agency has refused to make the data available to Congress or the American people. Regulations based on secret data have no place in a democracy.
“I remain hopeful that the subpoena will be complied with in the spirit of cooperation appropriate to relations between Congress and the Executive. If EPA continues to default on its subpoena obligations, I will not hesitate to pursue all other means available to compel production of the relevant data.”
Chairman Smith’s letter urges EPA to promptly produce all of the data demanded by the subpoena and requests information about the specific steps the agency is taking to produce all documents by September 30, 2013.
A full copy of the letter can be found HERE.