Overview

Title

To prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from using assessments generated by the Integrated Risk Information System as a tier 1 data source in rulemakings and other regulatory actions, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

H.R. 7284 is a plan to stop the EPA from using certain scientific information, called IRIS, as a big part of making new rules to protect our air and land. This would mean the EPA has to find other information to make sure health and environmental rules are strong and fair.

Summary AI

H. R. 7284 is a bill that aims to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using data from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program as a major source when making rules and regulations. The bill, introduced by Mr. Grothman, outlines that the EPA cannot rely on IRIS data for creating new rules, taking regulatory actions, or informing assessments like the National Air Toxics Assessment. This legislation is called the “No Industrial Restrictions in Secret Act of 2024” or the “No IRIS Act of 2024.”

Published

2024-02-07
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Introduced in House
Date: 2024-02-07
Package ID: BILLS-118hr7284ih

Keywords AI

environmental protection agency integrated risk information system iris program regulatory actions rulemaking environmental regulations public health scientific assessments data sources industrial restrictions

Sources

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
2
Words:
309
Pages:
2
Sentences:
4

Language

Nouns: 105
Verbs: 22
Adjectives: 12
Adverbs: 1
Numbers: 11
Entities: 27

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.62
Average Sentence Length:
77.25
Token Entropy:
4.54
Readability (ARI):
42.64

AnalysisAI

Summary of the Bill

The bill titled the "No Industrial Restrictions in Secret Act of 2024," or alternatively the "No IRIS Act of 2024," aims to restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) as a primary data source in its regulatory activities. Specifically, the bill prohibits the EPA from relying on assessments generated by the IRIS program to form the basis of new rules or regulations. It also restricts the use of IRIS assessments in other regulatory actions, including informing the National Air Toxics Assessment.

Summary of Significant Issues

One of the primary issues with this bill is that it limits the EPA's access to comprehensive and scientifically robust data provided by the IRIS program. The IRIS system has historically been a key resource for the EPA in evaluating the health effects of exposure to various chemicals. By prohibiting its use, the bill may force the EPA to use less reliable sources of information, potentially affecting the quality and reliability of the regulations it develops.

Additionally, the bill does not specify alternative data sources that could replace the IRIS assessments. This lack of guidance introduces ambiguity in the regulatory process and may create inconsistencies in how the EPA analyzes and addresses environmental concerns.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the bill could have implications for environmental protection and public health. If the EPA is unable to utilize robust scientific assessments from the IRIS program, there may be a reduction in the effectiveness of regulations designed to safeguard air quality and control exposure to toxic substances. Public confidence in the EPA's ability to protect health and the environment might also be undermined if regulations are perceived to be based on weaker scientific foundations.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The bill could have different ramifications for various stakeholders:

  • Industry Stakeholders: Some industry groups might be in favor of this bill, viewing it as a way to reduce regulatory burdens or constraints perceived to be based on stringent scientific assessments. By limiting the use of IRIS data, industries might anticipate more lenient regulations.

  • Environmental and Public Health Advocates: On the other hand, environmental organizations and public health advocates are likely to view this bill negatively. They may argue that it undermines the EPA's ability to create effective regulations aimed at protecting human health and the environment, possibly prioritizing industrial or economic interests over scientific credibility and public welfare.

  • Legal and Regulatory Bodies: Legal experts and regulatory agencies may see potential legal challenges arising from this bill. The inability to rely on IRIS data could lead to questions about the legitimacy of new regulations, potentially resulting in disputes and litigation.

Overall, the bill represents a significant shift in how environmental risk is assessed and regulated in the United States. Its passage could lead to substantial debate among policymakers, scientists, and the public about the balance between scientific integrity and regulatory flexibility.

Issues

  • The prohibition on using assessments from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program may limit the EPA's ability to utilize comprehensive and scientifically robust data for rulemakings and regulatory actions, potentially affecting the quality and effectiveness of environmental regulations. Section: 2.

  • There is a lack of clarity on alternative data sources that the EPA should utilize instead of the IRIS program, leading to ambiguity and potentially impacting the rigor of scientific assessments used in regulations. This absence of specificity might also raise concerns about the independence and reliability of such alternatives. Section: 2.

  • The provision could lead to inefficiencies or inaccuracies in addressing environmental issues due to potentially relying on less scientifically valid data sources, which might not be as comprehensive as those provided by the IRIS program. Section: 2.

  • The restriction outlined in Section 2 might face legal challenges or public criticism as it could be perceived as undermining the EPA's ability to protect public health and the environment effectively.

  • Ethical considerations may arise regarding the intent and impact of prohibiting the use of a well-established scientific assessment tool like IRIS, which might be viewed as prioritizing industrial concerns over public health. Section: 2.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The first section of the act establishes its short title, stating that it can be referred to as either the "No Industrial Restrictions in Secret Act of 2024" or the "No IRIS Act of 2024".

2. Prohibition on use of assessments generated by the Integrated Risk Information System program Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot rely on assessments from its Integrated Risk Information System program as the main source of information for making rules, taking regulatory actions, or conducting the National Air Toxics Assessment.