Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has introduced the No Industrial Restrictions In Secret Act (No IRIS Act) in an effort to protect America's chemical manufacturing industry from potential harm caused by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill aims to prevent the EPA from using data from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) to create rules against the industry without congressional approval.

Kennedy expressed concern over the use of IRIS by the Biden administration, stating, "The Biden White House is using the EPA's IRIS to create more red tape for America's chemical manufacturers, and it is crushing the industry." He further added that the No IRIS Act would ensure that unelected bureaucrats do not abuse the IRIS system to implement rules that harm Louisiana jobs and the economy.

Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives, showing bipartisan support for the protection of the chemical industry.

The American Chemistry Council, an industry association, also voiced its support for the bill. Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, highlighted the importance of the chemical industry in driving American innovation and emphasized the need to protect it. Jahn stated, "We applaud Senator Kennedy for introducing this critical legislation to promote sound science and protect America's ability to compete and innovate."

The No IRIS Act would prohibit the federal government from utilizing the IRIS system to inform its rulemakings unless explicitly authorized by Congress. This measure is necessary because the IRIS program, established by the EPA in 1985, currently lacks authorization in statute. As a result, unelected bureaucrats within the EPA can potentially abuse the program without adequate congressional oversight.

Furthermore, the IRIS program was designed to gather data on how chemicals impact human health, not to make policy decisions. However, under the Biden administration, the IRIS program has been accused of utilizing unscientific methods that negatively impact American businesses.

The chemical industry plays a crucial role in various sectors, including computer chips, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy. In Louisiana alone, chemical manufacturers contribute over $3.6 billion in economic activity and provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Americans.

The No IRIS Act aims to safeguard the industry by promoting sound science, transparency, and stakeholder involvement. The legislation seeks to prevent arbitrary rule-making that could jeopardize critical chemistries and hinder American competitiveness and innovation.

The full text of the No IRIS Act is available for review for those interested in understanding the details of the proposed legislation.