Burr tries to sideline the EPA

Folding it into the Department of Energy:

A bill introduced Thursday by Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C) would combine the DOE and the EPA into a new agency called the Department of Energy and Environment. The effort may also be an attempt by the GOP to rein in the EPA, which many Republicans accuse of pursuing too many costly environmental rules under the Obama administration.

Aside from the fact this would draw a huge amount of resources away from our environmental protectors (ergo massive staff reductions), the potential conflicts of interest are staggering. The DOE isn't just funded by taxpayers; money pours in from private industry, as well:

Cooperative Research and Development (CRADA) arrangements allow for collaborative work and either cost-sharing or funds to be provided by the industry partner, as well as for sharing of intellectual property and data.

The Laboratories may conduct research and development for a non-federal partner that funds the work directly through the Lab. Work for Others permits the funding partner to maintain intellectual property and data rights.

If the two entities are merged, industry could use such funding as a lever to discourage environmental investigators who may be probing the activities of one of the funding entities (or their partners). Huge conflict of interest there, especially during a recession when Congress is holding back funding for government agencies.

Of which I'm sure Richard Burr is aware.