Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.
Impact
This legislation has significant implications for the EPA's operations and its approach to evaluating chemical substances. By requiring assessments to be conducted by specialized program offices, the bill seeks to enhance the quality and applicability of scientific data in policy-making. It emphasizes the integration of scientific evidence across all relevant lines and upholds rigorous standards for documenting and evaluating scientific findings, which could lead to more accurate risk assessments affecting public health and safety.
Summary
House Bill 120, titled the Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act, focuses on modifying how chemical assessments are conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill mandates that hazard identification and dose-response assessments be carried out by the appropriate program office within the EPA instead of the previous method through the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). This shift aims to improve the relevance and effectiveness of the assessments by ensuring they are closely aligned with the needs of the specific program offices responsible for regulatory activities.
Contention
While the bill is largely positioned as a step toward improving scientific rigor and reducing duplicative efforts within the EPA, there is potential for contention surrounding the implementation of these provisions. Critics may voice concerns regarding how these changes could affect the pace and agility of the EPA in responding to emerging environmental and health issues. Additionally, stakeholders may worry about the adequacy of resources allocated to the relevant program offices, which might impact their ability to perform thorough assessments effectively. The establishment of a steering committee to oversee these assessments and ensure compliance with scientific standards aims to address some of these concerns, but the practical execution of this initiative remains a point of interest.
Additional_points
The bill also mandates that a chemical assessment database be maintained, which will store toxicity values assigned to chemicals post-assessment. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of chemical hazard information, providing critical data for both regulators and the public. Furthermore, as the steering committee will oversee compliance and determine the coordination of efforts across different offices within the EPA, it reflects a strategic approach to consolidating expertise and avoiding overlap in regulatory activities.
Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.
Chance to Compete Act of 2023 This bill modifies examination requirements and other components of the federal hiring process for positions in the competitive service. Specifically, the bill provides that a qualifying examination includes a résumé review that is conducted by a subject matter expert. Additionally, beginning two years after the bill's enactment, the bill prohibits examinations from consisting solely of a self-assessment from an automated examination, a résumé review that is not conducted by a subject matter expert, or any other method of assessing an applicant's experience or education; an agency may waive these requirements when necessary but must report any such waivers and may not use waivers to fill more than 10% of agency positions. Agencies may use subject matter experts to develop position-specific technical assessments that allow applicants to demonstrate job-related skills, abilities, and knowledge; assessments may include structured interviews, work-related exercises, procedures to measure career-related qualifications and interests, or other similar assessments. The bill also allows agencies to establish talent teams to support and improve hiring practices. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must create online platforms through which agencies may share and customize technical assessments and share the résumés of qualifying applicants. The OPM must also create online platforms with information about (1) the types of assessments used and hiring outcomes, (2) educational requirements for certain positions and related justifications, and (3) authorities and programs that support agency recruitment and retention.
Prohibit the chemical modification or conversion of industrial hemp and the sale or distribution of chemically modified or converted industrial hemp and to provide a penalty therefor.
"Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act"; establishes requirements, prohibitions, and programs for regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
"Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act"; establishes requirements, prohibitions, and programs for regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.