Review of EPA calls for more research spending
In its annual review of EPA, the Environmental Working Group (EWG; Washington) says the agency is plagued by a backlog in inspection, monitoring, permitting, and remediation and must beef up its budget if it wants to provide an adequate environmental program in the United States. EWG says EPA`s research and development staff declined 20% between 1980 and 1993; while at the same time the agency`s Science Advisory Board (SAB) recommended increasing the Office of Research and Development budget to $750 million by 1993, it received a budget of only $490 million. Underinvestment in EPA`s scientific capacity has hobbled attempts to understand the impact of pollution on human health and the environment. EWG feels that critics in industry and Congress have not supported budget increases because the critics say environmental policy is not based on sound science. While environmental risk assessment is a key concern of the chemical industry, some say additional funding may not be the solution. Some critics of EPA`s research feel that the EPA needs to get its act together in managing research programs.
- OSTI ID:
- 229887
- Journal Information:
- Chemical Week, Journal Name: Chemical Week Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 155; ISSN CHWKA9; ISSN 0009-272X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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