Background
In late 2000, the U. S. Congress passed a little known act that has created serious
obstacles for the federal regulatory process. This act, usually referred to as the Data Quality Act
(DQA) and officially known as the Quality Information Act of 2001, was passed as a rider to the
2001 Appropriations Bill without debate or any public or media attention. Despite its obscurity,
the DQA has produced a major controversy. Since this act has the potential to significantly
hinder federal agencies’ efforts to produce a wide range of health and environmental regulations,
it has generated widespread opposition from the public health and environmental community.
The DQA requires that all federal agencies base their regulatory actions on information
that meets certain standards of quality and objectivity, and more controversial it allows any
individual or group to challenge the credibility of scientific information disseminated by the
government. This challenge-provision, strongly supported by industry and trade groups, has
created considerable concern and apprehension within the federal bureaucracy.
This paper traces the history of the Data Quality Act and examines the political struggle
that surrounds it. It identifies the primary participants in the controversy and examines the roles
they play. This paper then analyzes the consequences of this act by examining selected case
studies and discussing their ramifications. Finally, this paper summarizes the consequences of the
DQA and projects its potential future implications.
The Antecedent Regulation Battle
Convention