The final update arrives almost a year after EPA released a draft that was roundly criticized by organizations like Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a watchdog group. In a Thursday interview, Kyla Bennett, the group’s science policy adviser, said the final version was an improvement but lacks mechanisms for enforcement or accountability.
“To me, that’s a huge gap,” Bennett said
She also questioned the ability of the inspector general to ensure compliance with the strengthened prohibitions against political interference. “The IG doesn’t have any teeth to address the underlying scientific issues,” Bennett said.
