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DCCUMBNT RESUEE
05670 - fB1226195]
EPA Efforts To 6.aard the Public in a Period of Radiation
Proliferation. Apcil 18, 1973. 10 pp.
Testimony before the h=-de Committee On Government uperations.
Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Sutcoufittee; by
Henry Eszhweqe, Director, Community and sconomic Oelel6pment
Div.
Contac*. Community and Economic Development DI.
Orqanization Concerned: Znvironmental Protection Agency,
Congressional Relevauce: House Committee on Gveamet
Operations: Environment, Energy, dnd Natural isourcwm
Subcommittee.
Authority: Atomic Energy act. Federal Eater Pollutica Lcatro.
Act. Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Toxic
Substances Control Act. Resource Censervation and Becovery
Act. Safe Drinking Water Act. Clean Air Act Amendments of
1977. Recrqanizaticn Plan no. 3 of 1970.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has broad
responsibility to provide Federal radiation guidanca xor all
radiation directl or indirectly affecting health. Euch of manms
radiation exposure is from uuavoidable natural sources as
compared to manmade sources. However, further improveuenta in
radiation techniques and controls could reduce exposures. 1PAvx
attep-ts to implement its responsibilities have resulted in
challenges to its authority, and consideratle disag,:eements have
occurred in obtaining cooperation with relevant regulatory
agencies. To date under its original 1970 authority, EPA has
issued only one radiatica standard, and it is currently not
enforced. In addition, the agency has issued only one new formal
guidance document to other Federal agencies. When the isaued
standard is fully effective in 1978, it bill establish new
criteria for exposure to the public and limit for the first time
the quantities of long-lived radioactive materials entering the
environment. The radiation program is sparsely funded and has
received very low priority in EPA; it had an annual average
budqet authority over the past 3 years of about S5.7 aillion and
an average of 220 positions. as a result of low funding and low
priority, morale in the agency. radiation program Is low, and
EPA officials point to inadequacies In staffing, data,
laboratory support, or research as reasons for not being able to
do an effective job. EPA should: reexamine Its monitoring
efforts and develop the capability to -rovide complete and
accurate information on radiation dangers, coordinate research
with that of other agencies, and develop an assessment of the
scope and need for standards and guidance. (RiS)](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobadxyx0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)