Reagan vetos bill allowing non-experts on EPA panel

President Reagan vetoed a bill which he said would have compromised the scientific objectivity of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The bill would have allowed industry, labor, consumer, and other groups to become members of EPA's Science Advisory Council. Reagan said he also vetoed the bill because it increased appropriations for EPA by $46.4 million over previously approved funds.

In two other developments, the EPA released a proposal for sweeping changes in water pollution regulations, and also announced it is contesting a federal appeals court ruling that threw out its controversial air pollution policy for regions that have not met national air quality standards.