[20031003]RS20982_将环境保护局提升为一个部门：主要问题分析.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20982Updated October 3, 2003Elevating the Environmental ProtectionAgency to a Department:Analysis of Major IssuesMartin R. LeeSpecialist in Environmental ProtectionResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryThere is a history of bipartisan support for proposals that would elevate theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) from an independent regulatory agency to afederal department. The 101st, 102ndand103rdCongresses tookactionontheissuebutreachednofinal agreement. The107thCongress held three hearings on two bills. In the108thCongress, H.R. 37 and H.R. 2138 propose such an elevation. The Subcommitteeon Energy Policy, Natural Resources, and RegulatoryAffairs of the House Committeeon Government Reform held hearings on these bills on June 6 and September 9, 2003.The Administration supports a simple elevation of EPA. Among the current issues arewhether access to the President would be enhanced and whether EPA would haveheightened effectiveness in dealing with other federal departments and the states.Whether such an elevation would improve EPAs status in environmental