EPA chief denies sidelining science experts.

Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt says his proposed regulatory rollbacks and other policies are grounded in science.

He is dismissing criticisms that he is ignoring experts to appease favored industries. Pruitt defended his approach Thursday during his first appearance before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the EPA. Democrats accused him of purging academic experts from EPA advisory panels. Pruitt says he was avoiding conflicts of interest.