GAO Evaluates EPA Performance Government accountability office downgrades agency's progress on assessing toxic chemicals

摘要

THE U.S.Government Accountability Office(GAO)released on March 6,2019,a report titled”High-Risk Series: Substantial Efforts Needed to Achieve Greater Progress on High-Risk Areas.”This column discusses the report and its implications on chemical management policy.The GAO's high-risk program identifies government operations with vulnerabilities to fraud,waste,abuse and mismanagement,or in need of transformation to address economy,efficiency or effectiveness challenges.The GAO's report describes the status of high-risk areas and outlines actions necessary to ensure further progress.The GAO notes that since adding this area to its High-Risk List in 2009,it has made 12 recommendations to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)related to the Integrated Risk Information System(IRIS)Program and the Toxic Substances Control Act(TSCA).The GAO evaluated the IRIS Program on five criteria to assess progress in addressing high-risk areas: leadership commitment,agency capacity,an action plan,monitoring efforts,and demonstrated progress.The GAO states that,since its 2017 report,four criteria remain unchanged.However,the rating for leadership commitment declined to”partially met.”