New Law To Open Feds’
Rule Data To Public

WASHINGTON — Beginning Oct. 1, all governmental agencies will be subject to the Data Quality Act.

The new law allows citizens to see the data used to justify regulations and challenge the data's accuracy.

Critics say they fear a new rush of "science for hire," but business groups say it will allow them to re-evaluate regulations.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials say Environmental Protection Agency clean air regulations cost the business community between $50 billion and $100 billion, but no one was allowed to see the data upon which the regulations were based.

Proponents and opponents of the new law agree that whether the new rule creates an opening of governmental agencies to the public will ultimately depend upon the courts.