Chamber Testifies in Support of DOL Risk Assessment Regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president of Labor, Immigration and Employee Benefits, Randy Johnson, today expressed support for a Department of Labor proposal that would implement a process for how risk assessments for regulations on exposure to toxic substances are handled.

"This proposal is well reasoned, necessary, and long overdue," said Johnson. "The proposal will bring in greater transparency in the rulemaking process and the Department should be commended for taking comments on what could have been done as a matter of internal policy."

The proposed regulation would affect risk assessments conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration for regulations they develop limiting exposures to toxic substances. It would require the agencies to issue advanced notices of proposed rulemakings that would disclose the studies and data supporting their regulations, and allow interested parties to comment on these materials. The proposal also mandates that these materials be posted to a federal government Web site within a specific time period so that they are available in a timely way to the general public.

"The proposal provides more information to the public, brings clarity, and gives interested parties the opportunity to review and comment on the science and data that the agency is using," added Johnson. "The proposed regulation is absolutely consistent with the principles of risk assessments, sound rulemaking, and above all, good government."

According to the Chamber, the risk assessment drives the entire process of regulation from the go/no go decision to what level of protection and remedial action may be required. It is imperative the risk assessment be done using the best available and most current data. The Department's proposal establishes a process that will yield sound and credible risk assessments.

The hearing was held in the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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