CSB needs to improve access to transcripts, audit concludes
Washington – The Chemical Safety Board hinders transparency when it fails to post public meeting transcripts and does not place transcripts in easily accessible locations, according to an audit conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General.
The report outlines EPA OIG’s audit of CSB’s internal controls. The audit identified multiple problems regarding CSB’s governance and offered the following recommendations to improve transparency:
- Prepare written quorum session summaries within the required five business days to ensure CSB is in compliance with 40 CFR 1603.5(c).
- Define “promptly” and make transcripts of CSB public meetings promptly available in accordance with 40 CFR 1603.12.
- Develop and implement guidance and procedures for posting transcripts and other documents to the CSB website.
CSB agreed to implement the recommendations. The agency has made reform a top focus since Vanessa Sutherland took over as chairperson in August. Sutherland replaced ousted Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso, whose tenure was marred by allegations of mismanagement and intimidation.
“CSB has made an effort to improve its governance activities,” EPA OIG noted in its report.
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