The document is a letter from 62 prominent public health, medical, academic, and scientific organizations expressing strong opposition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science” rule. Addressed to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the signatories convey concerns that the proposed rule would unduly restrict the EPA’s ability to utilize the best available scientific studies in regulatory decision-making, particularly studies where data cannot be made fully public due to confidentiality constraints. While the organizations endorse efforts to improve scientific transparency and public access to research data, they argue that indiscriminately requiring raw data disclosure is impractical and could jeopardize the privacy of research participants, a position supported by the National Academy of Sciences.
The signatories point out that the EPA’s current practices already promote transparency and align with broader norms in scientific publishing and federal research agencies. They caution that excluding valuable studies solely based on data availability could undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the EPA’s policy decisions, potentially exposing the public to greater health and environmental risks. Ultimately, the letter urges Congress to ensure that the EPA’s rule does not proceed, emphasizing the critical importance of allowing the agency to consider a comprehensive body of scientific evidence in fulfilling its mission to protect human health and the environment.
