Threats to Science and Environmental Protection Persist in Federal Government
In recent months, the federal government, particularly the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been under siege with massive cuts, freezes, and deregulatory plans that endanger public health and environmental protections. The EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) is facing potential elimination, further jeopardizing scientific research at the agency. The importance of ORD in conducting critical research on the health impacts of pollution cannot be overstated.
Congress has also introduced bills that seek to undermine the EPA’s scientific research, particularly targeting the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program. The so-called “No IRIS Act” would prevent EPA from relying on IRIS assessments, leading to weaker regulations and increased health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Understanding the IRIS Program
The IRIS program within ORD plays a crucial role in evaluating the health effects of pollutants and chemicals, providing the scientific basis for many environmental protection standards in U.S. laws. Blocking EPA from using IRIS assessments would undermine these protective standards and open the door to industry influence.
Industry Lobbying Efforts Against IRIS
Industry lobbyists, including trade associations like the American Chemistry Council, have pushed for the elimination of IRIS assessments to serve their agenda. Despite industry claims of problems with the program, independent government bodies and scientific experts have affirmed the importance and integrity of IRIS assessments.
Challenges and Progress in IRIS Assessments
Challenges faced by the IRIS program are primarily due to a lack of resources, as highlighted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Despite these challenges, IRIS assessments remain the gold standard in toxicity reviews, providing critical information for setting health protective standards.
Protecting Science and Environmental Health
It is essential to resist efforts to undermine scientific research at EPA and protect the IRIS program. By joining advocacy efforts and reaching out to members of Congress, individuals can help safeguard the science that underpins environmental and public health protections. It is crucial to hold legislators accountable and ensure that science remains at the forefront of decision-making in environmental policy.
