Improving the Development and Use of Environmental Information

Critical environmental information is needed to provide better scientific understanding of environmental trends and conditions and to better inform the public about environmental progress in their locales.
Substantial gaps exist between what is known and the goal of full, reliable, and insightful representation of environmental conditions and trends to provide direction for future research and monitoring efforts.
EPA has struggled with providing a focus and the necessary resources for environmental information since its inception in 1970. While much data has been collected over the years, most water, air, and land programs lack the detailed environmental trend information to address the well-being of Americans.
EPA program areas have also been hampered by deficiencies in their environmental data systems. For example, the quality of environmental data constrains EPA’s ability to assess the effectiveness of its enforcement policies and programs throughout the country and to inform the public about health and environmental hazards of dangerous chemicals.

^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done

EPA needs to better emphasize the development and use of environmental indicators and information, not only in its strategic plan but also as a mechanism for prioritizing its allocation of limited resources and measuring the success of environmental policies and programs.
Highlights of GAO-05-52 (PDF)
GAO and policymakers in the executive and legislative branches have proposed the establishment of a Bureau of Environmental Information to provide the focus and resources needed to address the nation’s current and long-term environmental conditions and trends. Such a bureau would ensure top-level commitment, interagency coordination, and clear responsibility for ensuring the comprehensiveness and credibility of environmental information.
Highlights of GAO-05-52 (PDF)
EPA should also ensure that information on environmental health risks, and on companies that manufacture and use toxic chemicals, are effectively collected and communicated to the public.
Highlights of GAO-08-128 (PDF)