A watchdog group is up in arms as a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appointee continues an affiliation with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
Christopher Frey, PhD, who was appointed deputy assistant administrator for Science Policy in the EPA’s Office of Research and Development in February, has yet to cut ties with HKUST, which has ties to the Chinese government. This has drawn the ire of watchdog group Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT).
“The American public needs answers to a number of legal, Constitutional and national security questions regarding the decision of EPA to allow Dr. Frey to continue a relationship with an arm of the Chinese government,” Michael Chamberlain, director of Protect the Public’s Trust, said in a statement.
While Frey has a lengthy resume at EPA, including serving on the agency’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee from 2008-2015 and the EPA Science Advisory Board from 2012-2018, Protect the Public’s Trust maintains that these connections are troubling.
Political appointees typically sever any ties with private entities and foreign governments when accepting an appointment, Chamberlain said.
“The documents provided shed little light on who, how and why Dr. Frey was allowed to continue this foreign association,” Chamberlain added.
The watchdog group raises several questions, including whether Frey will be allowed to participate in any issues that involve the Chinese government, as well as international climate deals brokered by the Biden administration. It also questions whether Frey’s role requires a security clearance.
“The lack of transparency is flabbergasting, especially in light of the Biden administration’s claims to be the most ethical administration in history,” Chamberlain said. “PPT will continue to investigate until we get some answers.”
According to its website, HKUST maintains ties with the Chinese government and the Chinese government has blurred the lines between Honk Kong and Chinese authority. Moreover, U.S. law maintains that foreign public universities are part of the government if they do not have clearly defined independence.
Frey’s EPA biography does not include his ties to HKUST or the Chinese government. It does note his ties to North Carolina State University, work with the EPA and his education at Carnegie Mellon University.
When Frey’s appointment was announced in February, there was no mention of his connection to HKUST either.
