About the Science Policy Council

Science Policy Council

The success of EPA's mission depends on a strong and credible scientific foundation. Due to the breadth and scope of its scientific activities, the Agency finds it necessary to maintain a forum for senior level policy deliberation and coordination on selected science issues. Under Administrator Lee Thomas, the Risk Assessment Council (RAC) (PDF) ( 2 pp, 29K, About PDF), the Science Policy Council's predecessor, was established in 1986. The RAC's purpose was to oversee virtually all aspects of the Agency's risk assessment process. Senior Agency officials with experience and responsibilities in the area of science policy and risk assessment were appointed to the RAC. The RAC's objectives, agenda and membership were reexamined under Administrator William Reilly and its role expanded and chaired by the Deputy Administrator (PDF) (2 pp, 29K, About PDF), Henry Habicht. This group established EPA's fundamental policies for conducting risk assessments and evaluating risk information. They also oversaw the activities of the Risk Assessment Forum.

The Science Policy Council (SPC) (PDF) (2 pp, 39KB, About PDF) was established in 1993 under Administrator Carol Browner with a broader mission and a new Framework as a replacement to the RAC. With a goal of integrating policies that guide Agency decision-makers in their use of scientific and technical information, the SPC works to implement and ensure the success of selected initiatives recommended by external advisory bodies such as the National Research Council and the Science Advisory Board, as well as others such as the Congress, industry and environmental groups, and Agency staff. In this way, the SPC provides guidance for selected EPA regulatory enforcement policies and decisions.

As part of Administrator Christie Whitman's initiative to improve the Agency's policy-making process to better integrate the highest quality science, she created the position of Science Advisor to the Agency (PDF) (2 pp, 414K, About PDF). One of the duties of the Science Advisor is to assume the chair of the Science Policy Council. The SPC continues to be supported by standing groups such as the Risk Assessment Forum, a Steering Committee, and by interim working groups. A small staff positioned in the Office of Science Advisor supports the SPC and its Steering Committee.

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About the Science Policy Council

Science Policy Council

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