At the request of Rep. Waxman, the General Accounting Office (GAO) conducted an investigation into potential conflicts of interest on the Science Advisory Boards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These boards conduct peer reviews of scientific studies and methodologies used by the agency in formulating rules and regulations. GAO's investigation found serious deficiencies in EPA's procedures to prevent conflicts of interest, and that the Science Advisory Boards thus frequently contain individuals with ties to affected industries.