A new Administration often replaces members of Federal Advisory Committees. In the first and second Bush Administrations, scientists and others have noted a trend toward passing over candidates and/or removing members of committees whose views are inconsistent with the President’s policies and positions on specific topics. People chosen for openings on particular committees have often had strong ties with industries potentially affected by committee recommendations. Scientists have expressed concern that these individuals' viewpoints - many of them out of the mainstream - may change the advice that a committee might otherwise give an agency, and reduce public health protections. 

Click here to read about the initial reports (in 2002) of manipulation of federal advisory committees.

In October 2006, three members of the 15-member EPA National Pollution Prevention and Toxics Advisory Committee (NPPTAC) resigned, saying the committee and staff were "unable or unwilling to consider systemtic, structural problems" with respect to the Toxic Substances Control Act, and expressing concern about unequal representation and influence by industry officials on the committee. (Resignation letter)(Committee Members) 

Click here to read additional reports.

Read more:

History and role of federal advisory committees.

Administration response.

Recommendations for reform.

Additional Resources