Congressman Baird Introduces Bill to Give States, Territories, and Tribes a Stronger Voice at EPA

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced H.R. 9663 the State Standing Committee Act . This bill establishes a State Standing Committee to advise the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The committee would give on-the-ground experience from each state and region counseling EPA decisions. "The federal government always does better when local input is paramount in its decision making," said Congressman Baird . "The EPA is no different, and this State Standing Committee can provide the key information, context, and expertise that only come from the states, territories, and tribes where much of the EPA’s work originates. I strongly urge my fellow committee members to pass the State Science Committee Act . Local experts should have input in the decisions directly affecting their own communities." The State Standing Committee (SSC) would serve as a complementary body to the Science Advisory Board (SAB), which is tasked with providing the EPA Administrator national-level scientific counsel. However, unlike SAB members, who are appointed based on a broad range of backgrounds and qualifications, SSC members would be employees of state, territorial, or tribal agencies. By creating a formal mechanism for submitting region-specific scientific and technical advice, the SSC would help ensure that local expertise is represented and more effectively integrates local perspectives into federal policymaking and regulatory actions. When appropriate, SSC members could convene working groups to address regional or multi-jurisdictional issues. Additional Background: The State Standing Committee would include one member from each state, federal district, federal territory, and federally recognized tribe to advise the EPA on agency decisions. The bill also expands the Science Advisory Board's authority to receive matters not only from the EPA Administrator but also appropriate congressional committees. Member Qualifications : Reside within their respective state, federal district, federal territory, or federally recognized tribe. Be employed by a government agency within their respective jurisdiction responsible for environmental protection, natural resources, agriculture, or regulatory compliance with environmental standards. Possess relevant education, training, or professional experience to evaluate scientific or technical information. To avoid conflicts of interest, State Standing Committee members may not simultaneously serve on or be employed by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board. Members would be selected jointly by the EPA Administrator and the Science Advisory Board through an open, competitive, and merit-based process. Service would be voluntary, unpaid, and performed on an ad hoc basis. Any vacancies must be filled within 90 days using the same selection process. Read the full bill text here .