S.623 - No IRIS Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.623, the "No IRIS Act of 2025," aims to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using assessments generated by the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) as a primary data source in its regulatory actions. This includes rulemakings, enforcement, and permitting decisions. The bill argues that IRIS assessments should not be the sole basis for EPA actions.
The bill specifically prohibits the EPA from using IRIS assessments to develop regulations or inform air toxics assessments. It seeks to limit the EPA's reliance on a specific risk assessment program.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Kennedy and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the No IRIS Act would force the EPA to rely on other data sources besides IRIS for regulatory decisions. This could lead to changes in how the EPA assesses environmental risks and implements regulations.
The EPA might need to allocate resources to develop or utilize alternative risk assessment methodologies. Industries potentially affected by EPA regulations might experience changes in compliance requirements.
The long-term effect would depend on the reliability and comprehensiveness of the alternative data sources used by the EPA.
Potential Benefits
- Could lead to a more balanced approach in environmental regulation by preventing over-reliance on a single data source.
- May encourage the EPA to consider a wider range of scientific evidence and methodologies.
- Could potentially reduce regulatory burdens on industries if IRIS assessments are perceived as overly stringent.
- Might foster greater transparency and public trust in EPA decision-making if alternative data sources are more accessible and understandable.
- Could incentivize the development of improved risk assessment tools and methodologies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could weaken environmental protection if IRIS assessments are indeed the most accurate and comprehensive available.
- May introduce uncertainty and delays in the regulatory process as the EPA transitions to new data sources.
- Could increase the influence of special interests if alternative data sources are more susceptible to manipulation or bias.
- Might undermine public health if the EPA's regulatory decisions are based on less reliable information.
- Could lead to inconsistent or less stringent environmental regulations across different regions or industries.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under Congress's power to legislate on matters related to environmental regulation and the powers of federal agencies. Article I, Section 1 vests all legislative powers in Congress, giving it the authority to define the scope and limitations of agency actions.
There is no explicit constitutional provision directly addressing the use of specific scientific assessments in regulatory decision-making. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
The constitutionality hinges on whether the bill unduly restricts the EPA's ability to fulfill its statutory mandates related to environmental protection, which could be debated under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).