"New Policy on Lobbyists Could Spur Shake-Up for EPA Advisory Panel"

"A sweeping new White House policy aimed at ousting special interests from federal advisory panels might sweep registered lobbyists off some U.S. EPA advisory panels.The policy could affect more than 20 EPA committees, which include representatives of environmental groups, industry and trade associations, and public health and academic institutions. The committees offer advice on issues ranging from air pollution and drinking water to children's health and environmental justice.It remains unclear exactly how the White House directive will apply to EPA and which committees will be affected, but many of the registered lobbyists on agency boards may see their memberships terminated once their current appointments end."Robin Bravender, Sara Goodman and Taryn Luntz report for Greenwire December 4, 2009.