EPA Extends Comment Period on Transparency Proposal

Environment
Published

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 18 issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPR) to the proposed rule, “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science.” When finalized, the EPA says the proposal is intended to ensure “that all important studies underlying significant regulatory actions at the EPA, regardless of their source, are available for a transparent review by qualified scientists.”

The agency set a 30-day comment period for the rule that was scheduled to close April 17. On April 2, the EPA announced an extension of the comment period for the SNPR; the comment period will close May 18. As previously reported by NAHBNow, when the EPA first published the proposed “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science” rule, NAHB submitted comments encouraging the agency to make all scientific data supporting a regulatory action available for public review. In addition, NAHB asked EPA to extend the scientific data transparency proposal to proposed rules as well as agency guidance documents.

Under the SNPR, the EPA is soliciting additional comments on clarifications made to the 2018 proposal. Among other provisions, the SNPR clarifies the scope and type of information and regulatory decisions to which the proposal would apply, as well as the ability of the EPA administrator to grant exemptions. Additionally, EPA is taking comment on what source of agency authority should be used for taking this action.

NAHB staff is reviewing the proposal to determine what, if any, additional comments NAHB should submit.

For more information, contact Tamra Spielvogel at 800-368-5242 x8327. To learn more about the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science proposal, visit the EPA website.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Awards

Oct 03, 2025

NAHB Awards Deadline Extended to Oct. 20

Interested applicants for NAHB’s prestigious award programs now have additional time to submit top projects and individuals for consideration. Don't miss your chance - apply by Monday, Oct. 20.

Sponsored Content

Oct 03, 2025

Fast Money, Fewer Headaches

Every week lost to underwriting is a week you’re not building, selling, or scaling. Delays push projects out of prime seasons, tighten cash flow, and leave crews idle. And when banks already move at their own pace, builders who aren’t prepared can get stuck at the back of the line.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Oct 03, 2025

Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024

Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

Square Foot Prices Moderate in 2024

Median square foot prices for new single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction (SOC) data. For custom, or contractor-built, homes, the median price was $166 per square foot of floor space, up slightly from $162 in 2023.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

17% of NAHB Builders Built Age-Restricted Housing in 2024

Only 17% of NAHB builder members build age-restricted housing for people age 55 or older, according to 2024 Member Census. This is up two percentage points from the previous year. However, this share has remained within a narrow band (15%-17%) since the question was added to the member census in 2009.