35 



The section on modernization lets the Agency know that we in Congress realize 

 that sound science cannot be conducted on antiquated equipment and that a pro- 

 gram to improve the laboratories is necessary now. 



Section 7 of the bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Science Advisory Board. 

 This entity was developed to help ensure that EPA's science programs met peer-re- 

 view requirements similar to universities and to give Congress an independent re- 

 view of the Agency's science program. The bill requires the SAB to review the Presi- 

 dent's budget submission annually and report to the Administrator and to Congress 

 on the adequacy of the funding. 



I believe that one of EPA's biggest problems is a public relations problem. The 

 research accomplishments section provides a formal mechanism for informing Con- 

 gress and the public of EPA's ongoing research and development programs and ac- 

 tivities. 



The Technology Transfer and Information Exchange section authorizes EPA to 

 share whatever technology and information its research develops with outside 

 groups. State and local governments are especially important targets for the trans- 

 fer of technical information because of their key role in the national response to en- 

 vironmental problems. 



Both the Senate and the House bills contain two sections on risk research. They 

 would authorize the Agency to develop a program to gain a better understanding 

 of the risks that exist and annually report on that program. 



The section on lead research authorizes the Agency to work with other Federal 

 agencies to develop the best ways to protect humans from lead poisoning. This re- 

 search should help to find the safest ways to remove lead-based paints as well as 

 find the most effective and efficient ways to dispose of, recycle or recover lead in 

 contaminated mediums. 



The bills would require EPA to report to Congress on any opportunities that exist 

 for the transferring of technologies developed from defense-related research to envi- 

 ronmental applications. This could develop into an excellent program to help compa- 

 nies affected by the downsizing of the defense industry. 



And lastly, the bills would authorize the Administrator to enter into a matching 

 fund arrangement with water research foundations to do research into disinfection 

 and disinfection byproducts. With the limited resources that the Agency has, this 

 may be the best way for the Federal government to leverage its funds. 



I believe this is a time when Congress can show its support for a stronger science 

 base at EPA. While I have consistently supported efforts to keep the budget in 

 check, I believe this is an area where additional funding is needed. 



This is a critical time for environmental policy. The bill that this Subcommittee 

 is discussing today directs the EPA in areas where I believe the Agency needs guid- 

 ance. 



Chairman Reid, I look forward to working with you as Congress reauthorizes the 

 Office of Research and Development at EPA for the first time in over 15 years. 



Statement of Gary Foley, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of 

 Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, for the opportunity 

 to testify today on the proposed reauthorization of the Environmental Research, De- 

 velopment, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDA), as well as to share with 

 you some of the details of the President's budget request for EPA's environmental 

 research program, and the proposed restructuring of EPA's research laboratories. 



This is a time for strengthening science and research within EPA, as well as 

 across the Federal government. At EPA, we will soon have new leadership in our 

 research program— the White House has nominated Dr. Robert Huggett, Chair of 

 the Department of Environmental Sciences, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences at 

 the College of William and Mary, as our new Assistant Administrator for Research 

 and Development. 



One part of strengthening environmental research within EPA is the reauthoriza- 

 tion of ERDDA. EPA generally supports the goals of S. 1545, the Senate bill reau- 

 thorizing ERDDA, and would like to continue working with the Committee on this 



