Search

EPA Clarifies Transparency in Regulatory Science Rule

Posted on 3/24/2020 by Lauren Scott

On March 18, EPA released a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) in the Federal Register to clarify the scope of the 2018 proposed rule “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science,” which is to be housed at 40 CFR Part 30. The original rulemaking was designed to make information that influences certain EPA rulemakings publicly accessible.
 
The SNPRM broadens the scope of the information required to be accessible by the 2018 proposed rule to include influential scientific information as well as significant regulatory decisions. More specifically, it adds “data and modules underlying pivotal science and pivotal regulatory science.” The SNPRM also modifies how the data, modules, and significant regulatory decisions would be made available.
 
EPA is accepting comments submitted here until April 17, 2020.
 

2018’s Proposed Rule

On April 30, 2018, EPA posted a proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register to require that “pivotal regulatory science” data used for regulatory decision-making be made available to the public “in a manner sufficient for independent validation.”
 
EPA’s intent with this rulemaking is to “enhance the transparency and validity of the scientific information relied upon by EPA.” In the proposal, EPA cites a “replication crisis” in scientific literature and states that they are following the example of certain scientists who are arguing in favor of more stringent requirements for reproducibility of published data.
 
See the 2018 proposed rule here.
 
To house the proposed provisions, EPA plans to add a Part 30 to 40 CFR, titled “Transparency in Regulatory Decisionmaking.”
 

What These Rulemakings Mean for You

The 2020 update allows employers, EH&S compliance managers, hazardous waste workers, and the public as a whole to access the information that goes into many EPA decisions that affect US facilities. Employers and employees alike will be able to use this information to influence their own Standard Operating Procedures in the workplace.
 

RCRA Hazardous Waste Training When and Where You Need it

Satisfy your annual RCRA training mandate from any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with Lion’s RCRA Hazardous Waste Management online course. Get up to date on the latest requirements for sites that generate and store hazardous waste, including major changes as a result of EPA's Generator Improvements Rule.
 
The most impactful RCRA updates include expanded contingency plan requirements, new labeling/marking rules for containers and tanks, a completely re-organized 40 CFR Part 262, and new reliefs for “episodic events” that could affect your generator status.
 
Click here to see the full online hazardous waste training catalog now.
 

Tags: 40 CFR, environmental, environmental regulations, EPA, rule making, rulemaking

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.