Press Releases

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR) today commended U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and the Trump Administration for a proposal to establish much greater clarity and transparency in how the agency produces guidance documents.

“This is a big step toward major regulatory reform at EPA,” Graves said.  “Throughout the years, the EPA has been one of the most onerous regulatory agencies in the government, issuing more guidance documents than most other federal agencies.  These guidance documents are often produced without adequate public notice or input from the regulated community, conflict with one another, and get enforced based on the whims of an individual regional office.  Worst of all, guidance has too often served as a Trojan Horse for backdoor regulatory efforts that go beyond the scope of Congress’ intent and existing law.”

Graves continued, “Americans deserve better than that, and this proposed rule will lead to a much more open and fair regulatory process.  I commend Administrator Wheeler for working to reduce regulatory burdens that are unnecessary in the protection of our environment.”

“If there’s anything that all government agencies could benefit from, it’s clearer guidelines and more transparency," said Westerman.  "These regulation reforms will make it easier for federal, state and local officials to carry out the EPA’s mission, and I applaud the administration for their proactive approach to these issues.”

Background Information

Today’s propose rulemaking by the EPA is a response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13891 calling for federal agencies to significantly increase transparency in the development of agency guidance.  The proposed rule will establish a formal public petition process for the modification or withdrawal of EPA guidance and ensure all active guidance documents are made available to the public and include public input.  The EPA also created a portal to make all agency guidance easily accessible to the public: https://www.epa.gov/guidance.