"The EPA tweaked its proposed “secret science” rule on Tuesday, broadening its reach to cover not just rulemakings but also “influential” scientific information.

The proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule (RIN:2080-AA14), officially called “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science,” was first floated in 2018, and would prevent the agency from considering studies that aren’t or can’t be made public.

One significant change in the agency’s supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking expands the rule’s scope to cover any “influential scientific information,” even if that information isn’t used in crafting regulations.

“Influential scientific information means scientific information the agency reasonably can determine will have or does have a clear and substantial impact on important public policies or private sector decisions,” the EPA wrote."

Stephen Lee and Adam Allington report for Bloomberg Environment March 3, 2020. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking." (EPA) [3]

"EPA Revamp Of 'Secret Science' Rule Will Keep Limiting Research, Scientists Say" (The Hill) [4]

"EPA: White House Finishes Review Of 'Secret Science' Rulemaking" (E&E News PM) [5]