Scott Franklin (R-FL)
Establishing Gold Standard Science Act
A Republican bill with 12 Republican cosponsors · See all 12 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Establishing Gold Standard Science Act. It amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to promote transparency in science. The legislation sets rules regarding lobbyists, financial disclosures, and recusals for members of the Board and related committees or investigative panels. It requires the Board to base its advice and comments on Gold Standard Science and the weight of scientific evidence. The bill also establishes a process for investigating allegations of scientific misconduct and requires the creation of a scientific integrity training program for EPA officers and employees.
Yes
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires detailed financial disclosures, written reports, and public recusal agreements for EPA board members and scientific panels.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill promotes transparency, conflict of interest disclosures, and scientific integrity standards within EPA advisory boards.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Banning Lobbyists from the Board: Under Section 2, the bill explicitly states that no federally registered lobbyist may be appointed to the Board or certain committees and investigative panels regarding matters for which they are registered or have a direct financial interest. This helps ensure that the people advising our government on science are not working directly for special interest lobbying groups.
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Clear Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Section 2 requires Board members and panel appointees to submit detailed written reports disclosing financial relationships, past professional activities, public statements, and public grant participation from the prior five years. This transparency holds officials accountable by letting the public and Congress see what financial ties these scientific advisors might have.
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Mandatory Recusal Agreements: Section 2 requires individuals to promptly submit a formal recusal agreement if they have a direct affiliation with or financial interest in an outcome, or if their immediate family members do. The Administrator must make these recusal agreements publicly available, which keeps our elected and appointed officials honest about who they might be helping.
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Scientific Integrity Training: Section 2 adds a new section creating a scientific integrity training program at the EPA. This program informs agency officers and employees about scientific research, publication standards, scientific misconduct, and Gold Standard Science, ensuring better public service.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Expert Disqualification Exemptions May Cause Concerns: Section 2 explicitly states that a prior disclosure, professional activity, public statement, participation in government-funded research, or prior service with an entity that has a financial interest does not, in itself, pose a conflict of interest or disqualify a member from serving. Some folks might worry this loophole allows people with heavy financial ties to industry to still sit on advisory boards.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires detailed financial disclosures, written reports, and public recusal agreements for EPA board members and scientific panels.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill promotes transparency, conflict of interest disclosures, and scientific integrity standards within EPA advisory boards.
- 10/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 12 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Jake EllzeyRepublican · Texas
Charles FleischmannRepublican · Tennessee
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Darrell IssaRepublican · California
Richard McCormickRepublican · Georgia
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Keith SelfRepublican · Texas
Matt Van EppsRepublican · Tennessee
Daniel WebsterRepublican · Florida
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas