H.R. 1422 would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make various changes related to the qualifications of members serving on the Science Advisory Board (SAB) and to expand disclosure requirements for members of the board. The SAB was established in 1978 by the Congress with a broad mandate to advise EPA on technical matters related to science. Some of the proposed changes under this bill include requiring EPA to solicit nominations from the public and from relevant federal agencies, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Health and Human Services. Nominees also would be required to file a written report disclosing certain financial relationships and interests. Additionally, the bill would require EPA to make risk or hazard assessments available to the SAB and to publish the board's advice, comments, and views in the Federal Register.
Based on information from EPA, CBO estimates that implementing the changes proposed by this legislation would cost less than $500,000 annually or about $2 million over the 2014-2018 period, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. That funding would provide for additional personnel and related administrative expenses.