Policy and Technical Assistance

[James Cooper <james.cooper@socma.com>]

EPA and the public would be well-served if several fundamental guidance materials were developed.  

1.  A plain-language guide to the regulatory process.  Leave the
    Washington jargon inside the Beltway and provide a simple,
    straight-forward explanation of rule-making procedures and
    other actions that regulatory agencies take.

2.  A guide to science fundamentals.  This does not mean
    introductions to all of the scientific disciplines.  What
    I'm proposing is an explanation of common, cross-cutting
    scientific principles, such as repeatability, scientific
    method, probability, peer review processes, data quality,
    etc.  These are the basic fundamentals that affect all
    science, and are the crux of scientific debate.
    
I would be more than happy to assist a coalition of interested parties in pursuing these materials.  I think the coalition should be led by EPA, and be comprised of as many different stakeholders as possible.  If EPA does not want to do it, however, then we, the interested parties, should get together and do it.  I would also be willing to help get this effort funded.  I admit, however, that I do not have the time to do it all myself.  Therefore, I am asking here and now:  If you are interested in helping develop guidance materials for understanding regulatory processes and technical issues, please make your voice heard.  Either contact me directly at my e-mail address, or respond to this message.

Sincerely,
Jim