Reports

Models in Environmental Regulatory Decision Making (2007)

Many regulations issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are based on the results of computer models. Models help the EPA explain environmental phenomena in settings where direct observations are limited or unavailable, and anticipate the effects of agency policies on the environment, human health and the economy. Given the critical role played by models, the EPA asked the National Research Council to assess scientific issues related to the agency's selection and use of models in its decisions. The report recommends a series of guidelines and principles for improving agency models and decision-making processes. The centerpiece of the report's recommended vision is a life-cycle approach to model evaluation which includes peer review, corroboration of results, and other activities. This will enhance the agency's ability to respond to requirements from a 2001 law on information quality and improve policy development and implementation.
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