PRINTING United Alliance Joins Coalition Letter in Support of the No IRIS Act
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator Sep 20, 2024

The No Industrial Restrictions in Secret Act (No IRIS Act) of 2024 (H.R. 7284 / S. 3724) was introduced in Congress to protect American manufacturers’ ability to compete and innovate by ensuring that federal regulations are based on sound science. The No IRIS Act would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from utilizing data from its Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) to impose regulations on the chemical and other manufacturing sectors without Congressional approval. The bill would protect American jobs, promote innovation, and hold the EPA accountable on their stated commitment to scientific integrity. 

Recognizing the potential threat to printing inks, solvents, and printed paper products and their chemistries, the Alliance joined a broad coalition of more than 50 industry groups supporting the No IRIS Act. In a September 9, 2024 letter, the coalition thanked Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) for introducing the legislation in their respective chambers.  

The EPA established the IRIS program in 1985 to gather data on how chemicals impact human health, however, it was never authorized by Congress for use in regulations. The lack of statutory authorization for the IRIS program has allowed EPA officials to use the data in it for purposes not originally intended. It was designed to be a repository of information used to identify potential problematic chemicals requiring further study. But the EPA is now using the IRIS program to impose excessive regulations, negatively impacting the U.S. job market and economy.  

A key criticism of the IRIS program is that it does not consistently utilize a “weight of the scientific evidence” approach. In addition to failing to incorporate high quality and relevant science in regulatory decisions, the IRIS program lacks transparency and is unresponsive to peer review and stakeholder recommendations. 

The No IRIS Act would safeguard the integrity of scientific assessments and promote transparency in regulatory decision-making, which is crucial for fostering innovation and competitiveness in the chemical sector. 

The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and the companion House bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials, under the jurisdiction of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  

The Government Affairs team will track the legislation as it gains co-sponsors and makes its way through the committee process. As legislative developments occur the Alliance will provide timely updates.  

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator, PRINTING United Alliance, addresses the No IRIS Act of 2024. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org. 

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.      

Congressional Updates Environmental Legislation
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Coordinator
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Coordinator for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. She manages all aspects of grassroots advocacy campaigns, including facilitating timely call-to-action alerts and updates to The Advocacy Center on key federal and state legislative issues. As a member of the Office of Corporate Communications, Buka manages the content and audience building responsibilities for the Government Affairs team. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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