Smith reacts to EPA’s report on its actions to block Pebble Mine

U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), who chairs the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, condemned a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Inspector General on the EPA’s efforts to block development of Alaska’s Pebble Mine.

“The Inspector General’s (IG) report on EPA’s actions to block the Pebble Mine draws misleading conclusions without having all the facts,” Smith said. “The IG itself admits that it was unable to obtain and review all relevant documents and was unable to interview a key subject about pertinent information the investigation had uncovered.”

According to Smith, witnesses at an EPA hearing conducted in November before the Pebble Mine developers had applied for any permits testified the EPA had ignored “sound science.” The November hearing resulted in the EPA deciding to take action to block the Pebble Mine.

“It also appears that the IG failed to review a significant body of publically available information brought to light by the Science Committee that demonstrates clear instances of bias and predetermination on the part of the EPA,” Smith said. “The Science Committee will continue to investigate the actions of the EPA."