Industry groups are urging the EPA to consider their perspectives as the agency prepares to update its scientific integrity policy. These guidelines are critical in ensuring that President Joe Biden’s commitment to protecting the agency’s research and safeguarding its scientists from political interference is maintained, especially if there is a possibility of a second Trump administration. The finalization of these guidelines is expected later this year.
Francesca Grifo, the EPA’s scientific integrity official, has emphasized the importance of hearing from all sides when making decisions as a regulatory agency. In an interview with E&E News, she stated that she was not surprised by the influx of comments from various sectors regarding the policy update. The impact of this policy, which outlines how the agency conducts its scientific research, could be far-reaching for the regulated community.
Grifo highlighted that when you’re a regulatory agency, it’s essential to hear from all sides since the decisions made have significant repercussions. This underscores the agency’s commitment to carefully considering input from industry groups and other stakeholders as they finalize the scientific integrity policy.
