AG Raoul led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in sending a letter to Congress, urging members to oppose two Congressional bills that would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from relying on scientific assessments from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program, which are critical to protect Americans against deadly exposure to toxic chemicals. Raoul and the coalition’s letter also urges Congress to oppose the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle the EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), which is the research arm of the EPA that provides the scientific basis for EPA’s work.

“I am urging Congress to oppose the Trump administration’s attack on science and the Office of Research and Development, which is critical to helping the EPA and states protect residents from toxic chemicals. The EPA must be able to conduct research and rely on scientific data in order to help Illinois and states across the nation identify and address the presence of toxic chemicals directly linked to cancer, birth defects and learning disabilities. Americans deserve to know that their air, water and other natural resources are not dangerous to their health and well-being. I will continue to advocate for the safety and welfare of our communities.”- AG Raoul