Priority Open Recommendations: Environmental Protection Agency
| Report Type |
Reports and Testimonies |
| Report Date |
May 28, 2024 |
| Release Date |
May 28, 2024 |
| Report No. |
GAO-24-107310 |
Summary:
What GAO Found
In May 2023, GAO identified 15 priority recommendations for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since then, EPA has implemented four of those recommendations by (1) providing information on chemical assessment products and the length of time each takes to prepare; (2) completing a programmatic resource analysis that included metrics on the recruitment and retention of its chemical assessment workforce; (3) collecting data that will support the evaluation of human capital goals for the chemical assessment program; and (4) issuing an asset management framework for the national ambient air quality monitoring system.
In May 2024, GAO identified one additional priority recommendation for EPA, bringing the total number to 12. These recommendations involve the five following areas:
Improving the nation's water quality,
Addressing data and risk communication issues related to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure,
Managing climate risks,
Protecting the nation's air quality, and
Ensuring cybersecurity at EPA.
EPA's continued attention to these issues could lead to significant improvements in government operations.
Why GAO Did This Study
Priority open recommendations are the GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or ensure that programs comply with laws and funds are legally spent, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations.
For more information, contact Mark Gaffigan at (202) 512-3841 or gaffiganm@gao.gov.
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