"Researchers and environmental groups have called the proposal “reckless” and “unconscionable” in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic."
"With the nation in a state of emergency over the coronavirus and Americans confronting a pandemic, the Trump administration has moved to expand and fast-track a proposal to limit the use of human health science in environmental decision-making.
The move by the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday has prompted an outcry from public health officials and environmental activists. California's top environmental official, the chair of the House Science Committee, the Union of Concerned Scientists and others have called for the EPA either to abandon the potentially far-reaching proposal or to extend the public comment period on the plan.
The Trump EPA's proposal, called the "Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science" rule, would restrict the agency's use of studies that rely on confidential human health data, including some of the seminal studies linking air pollution to premature death. The effort has been in the works for two years, but the Trump EPA published a "supplemental" notice last week that substantially extends the rule's scope—and then gave the public only until April 18 to comment."
Marianne Lavelle reports for InsideClimate News March 23, 2020.
SEE ALSO:
"‘Secret Science’ Rule Could Limit EPA Virus Efforts, Carper Says" (Bloomberg Environment)
"Democrat Calls On EPA To Withdraw 'Secret Science' Rule" (The Hill)
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