California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 14 attorneys general, has urged Congress to reject two proposed bills, H.R. 1415 and S. 623. These bills, known collectively as the No IRIS Act, would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using scientific assessments from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program. The coalition is also opposing the Trump Administration’s initiative to dismantle the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD).
"Undermining EPA’s independent science arm and the IRIS program jeopardizes vital research and health protections for Americans across this country," said Attorney General Bonta. He emphasized, "The environmental challenges we are facing demand action rooted in continued research and facts. That’s why my fellow attorneys general and I are urging Congress to swiftly oppose the No IRIS Act and the proposed destruction of ORD."
The state's environmental protection efforts heavily rely on the scientific and technical resources provided by ORD and IRIS. For instance, California's Department of Toxic Substances Control utilises IRIS data to set cleanup standards for hazardous waste sites. The elimination of these programs could significantly hinder the EPA's and states' efforts to shield residents from environmental hazards.
The letter from the attorneys general explains that IRIS assessments are derived from unbiased scientific reviews that gauge the harmful levels of chemicals released into the environment. Such assessments guide the EPA in establishing regulatory standards for toxic substances, essential for permitting, cleanups, and emergency response measures. Without this data, protecting public health from exposures that lead to health risks such as cancer and birth defects becomes challenging.
The importance of ORD is also highlighted in the letter for its role in crucial scientific research, which includes safeguarding drinking water sources against disasters and terrorist threats, examining air pollution due to wildfire smoke, and studying pollutants like PFAS. The disbanding of the ORD and the dismissal of over 1,000 scientists is projected to obstruct the EPA’s ability to use the best scientific knowledge to fulfill its duties.
Attorney General Bonta's letter was co-signed by attorneys general from several states including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin, in addition to the District of Columbia.
A copy of the coalition's letter is available.