EPA Announces Public Comment Period For Draft Updates To Scientific Integrity Policy

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared a 30-day public comment period, inviting feedback on the draft revisions to its Scientific Integrity (SI) Policy. This move aligns with the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-based Policymaking. The revisions aim to incorporate a new Federal definition of scientific integrity and significantly strengthen various policy elements to foster a culture of scientific integrity within the Agency.

Key Dates And Public Participation

The public comment period commences on January 24, 2024, and concludes on February 23, 2024. The EPA has urged stakeholders to submit their comments within this timeframe to ensure they are considered in the policy update process. Comments can be sent using various methods, with the preferred mode being through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov/. Other methods include mail and hand delivery or courier, with specific details provided for each mode.

Enhancing Scientific Integrity

This initiative is a part of the EPA's ongoing commitment to enhance scientific integrity. The Agency first issued its Scientific Integrity Policy in 2012 and has been updating it to reflect evolving standards and practices. The draft updates will incorporate insights from the National Science and Technology Council's 2023 Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice, along with lessons learned over the years and input from previous EPA staff surveys on scientific integrity.

How Will Comments Be Used?

The EPA values external input on its Scientific Integrity Policy and is open to incorporating public feedback into the final revised policy. This will involve an internal review and revision process, after which the updated policy will be published on the EPA's website.

The EPA's effort in updating its Scientific Integrity Policy represents a significant step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and trust in the governmental scientific process. With public participation, the Agency aims to refine its approach to scientific integrity, ensuring that its decisions and policies are grounded in sound science.