WASHINGTON -- A 'hit list' of EPA scientific advisers that brands some as liberals or environmentalists and urges their dismissal was given Tuesday to several congressional subcommittees.
The list, provided by an unidentified Environmental Protection Agency employee, indentifies some present and potential advisers as 'invidious environmental extremists' or 'anti-nuclear types.'
Reps. James Scheuer, D-N.Y., John Dingell, D-Mich., and Michael Synar, D-Okla., all said they intend to investigate who drafted the list and how it was used.
They head three of the six House panels investigating charges of political favoritism and 'sweetheart deals' for industry in EPA's handling of toxic waste cleanups.
The agency issued a statement saying, 'Until we have some hard and fast evidence as to the authenticity and orgin of this list, it would be inappropriate to comment on it.'
Anne Burford, EPA administrator, told reporters on Capitol Hill she 'never put together any kind of list of who should be fired.'
She commented while waiting for an elevator, after first refusing to discuss the matter with pursuing reporters whom she inititally told, 'I will be available for public comment when it is appropriate.'
The EPA's Scientific Advisory Boards are composed of scientists from research institutions and universities. Members work under contract to EPA and advise the agency on development of policy and regulation.
'The sketches on these respected scientists are not only outrageous on their face but also call into question the integrity of the entire agency's approach to scientific review,' Scheuer said.
The list labels one adviser an 'extreme anti-nuclear type' and says, 'Get him out fast.' 'Deepsix him' is the notation next to another name, while a third man is rated a 'bleeding heart liberal.'
Rita Lavelle, former head of the agency's toxic waste cleanup program, told reporters Tuesday before a meeting with Scheuer that she did not know of a hit list.
'Maybe I should have had one,' quipped Ms. Lavelle, who was fired by President Reagan early last month. Scheuer sponsored legislation last year to put public representatives on the advisory boards, but he said Reagan vetoed the measure for fear it would 'politicize the agency.'
