U.S. Chamber Charges Bias in EPA's New Standards

Particulate Regs Based on Shoddy Science, Manipulated Data

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce charged that EPA's review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter is a biased interpretation of scientific knowledge based on selective manipulation of data, in comments filed with the agency today.

"Real scientific review does not mean picking and choosing the outcomes that support preconceived positions," said William Kovacs, Chamber vice president for environment and regulatory affairs. "EPA has decided to follow an unsound and unscientific path, which can only result in unreasonable regulations that will be extremely costly with no corresponding public health benefits. This is a disservice to society."

The EPA is continuing to rework the regulations on particulate matter – microscopic, airborne particles of varied composition and origin – as outlined in the Clean Air Act and in numerous court proceedings. The Chamber contends that EPA's stance dismisses outright its obligation to determine, in an objective manner, whether the public is adequately protected under current standards and whether the expenses associated with more stringent standards are necessary.

Numerous respected scientists have questioned the credibility of EPA's assessment of the need to revise the current standards, according the Chamber's comments. Competent scientific authorities have criticized the EPA for manipulating evidence, selective use of data, and deliberate distortion of information.

"Policymakers must acknowledge the significance of the huge uncertainties about the relationship between health effects and ambient levels of particulate matter before proceeding with any rulemaking," said Kovacs. "The business community will consider whether the ongoing bias at EPA calls for a Congressional review of the assessments carried out by the agency."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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04-11