Attorney General Charity Clark has allied with a group of 14 attorneys general to present a letter to Congress. The coalition is asking members to reject two legislative proposals that aim to restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from utilizing scientific evaluations from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program, which is essential in guarding against harmful chemical exposure.
Additionally, the letter stresses opposing efforts from the Trump Administration to dismantle the EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD). This office acts as the EPA's research sector, underpinning the agency's scientific functions.
Attorney General Clark, along with the coalition, emphasizes that IRIS provides assessments following an impartial scientific review to ascertain the harmful levels of numerous chemicals introduced into the environment by industry and other means. This evaluation is crucial for the EPA to protect public health from risks, including cancer and birth defects. Absence of such data would hinder the EPA's efforts, potentially endangering public health across the country.
The coalition further explains that the ORD's research is significant across various sectors. This includes safeguarding drinking water from natural calamities and terrorist threats, investigating air pollution due to wildfire smoke, and studying emerging contaminants like PFAS. The suggested dismantlement of ORD and dismissal of over 1,000 scientists might immediately hinder the EPA's ability to meet its obligations of utilizing the best available science.
ORD serves as a key resource for states, aiding them in shielding residents from environmental hazards that pose severe health threats. The letter also notes that IRIS assessments assist the EPA in identifying communities at elevated risks from exposure to numerous toxic chemicals, such as ethylene oxide.
A copy of the coalition's letter is available for review.