Carper Statement on Court Tossing out Trump’s ‘Secret Science’ Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana vacated the Trump Administration’s “Secret Science” rule.

“The era of science denial in the federal government is over. After four years of unlawful, anti-science rulemaking, EPA has an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. While the incoming leadership will have a monumental task in restoring scientific integrity at the agency, I am optimistic. This week, we will hear from Michael Regan, President Biden’s nominee to lead EPA, and consider his nomination. Under his leadership, I have confidence that science will be the agency’s North Star when it comes to policymaking.”

Last March, Senator Carper asked the EPA Inspector General to open an investigation into potentially unlawful efforts and procedural problems related to the preparation and review of the Secret Science rule.

Later that month, Senator Carper also urged former EPA Administrator Wheeler to withdraw the Secret Science rule, citing concerns that the sweeping policy would curtail the agency’s response to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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