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legislation. I will provide more detail about the bill and implications for EPA's re- 

 search program throughout this testimony. But first, I want to address EPA's 

 science and research program in relation to the reauthorization of ERDDA. I also 

 want to convey our priorities for environmental research over the next few years, 

 and how our budget request reflects these priorities. Finally, I want to discuss the 

 EPA Laboratory Study, which provides far-reaching recommendations for re-engi- 

 neering environmental research at EPA. 



Let me begin by discussing the context for research at EPA in terms of the overall 

 strategic vision Carol Browner has established for the Agency, and the Agency's pri- 

 ority science and data issues. 



EPA's Strategic Vision: Provides Focus for Research 



I join with Administrator Browner in saying that I believe that science must play 

 a vital role in guiding our nation's environmental protection policy — it must become 

 the foundation for EPA's environmental protection decisions. Science must guide us 

 as we confront the complex environmental challenges that face us in the future: 

 How can we protect, and restore, the necessary functions of whole ecosystems? What 

 harmful pollutants are people exposed to, are certain groups disproportionately ex- 

 posed, and how can these exposures be reduced? What technologies and other tools 

 can be used to prevent pollution before it happens? 



To unravel these complex problems, we need a new generation of environmental 

 protection. And to answer the multitude of questions that face us today — and the 

 new questions that will arise tomorrow — we need a new generation of environ- 

 mental science. 



For EPA to develop and carry out effective and fair environmental policies, our 

 research must be responsive to these questions. We must also answer broader ques- 

 tions concerning ecological management and global environmental problems. Many 

 of the provisions of S. 1545 address this vision — for example, EMAP, NHEXAS, risk 

 assessment, technology transfer. I want to discuss our research priorities in these 

 areas in more detail later in this testimony, but first I want to mention EPA's goals 

 and how our research program fits into these goals. 



The EPA has set-a new and challenging vision for itself and the environment over 

 the next five years. To achieve these objectives, EPA must-move beyond reacting to 

 today's environmental problems to working with its partners anticipate and prevent 

 pollution. It must transition from piecemeal solutions to a more holistic environ- 

 mental response that utilizes the best available science. And in all its activities, 

 EPA must ensure equal protection for all and effective stewardship of resources. 

 EPA has identified the following principles — each with specific research implica- 

 tions — for guiding how it will achieve its goals: 



1. Ecosystem Protection. EPA will encourage ecosystem management and eco- 

 nomic development that promotes the health and productivity of natural sys- 

 tems. The long-term mutual dependence of human and ecosystem health, as 

 well as economic prosperity, will be a major premise of EPA's convnitment in 

 this area. 



2. Environmental Justice. EPA will work to assure that individuals and com- 

 munities are treated equitably under environmental laws, policies and regula- 

 tions, and that the benefits of environmental protection are shared by everyone 

 in the society. 



3. Pollution Prevention. EPA will prevent pollution by incorporating preven- 

 tion into the Agency's mainstream environmental programs; strengthening part- 

 nerships with State and local governments, the private sector and other Federal 

 agencies; providing information to the public; encouraging technological innova- 

 tion and technology diffusion; and, where necessary, working to change existing 

 environmental legislation. The Agency will anticipate and address future envi- 

 ronmental issues before they become problems. 



4. Strong Science and Data. EPA will employ the best possible science, invest 

 strategically in research and development for the future, and foster a productive 

 dialogue with the public about science and risk. To be credible and effective, 

 EPA policies, programs and actions will be based on sound data and research 

 from both the traditional sciences and the social sciences, such as economics. 



