Rationale

Human and environmental risk assessments for chemicals use a limited number of model species to test for potential toxicity. Due to limited testing resources, an international push to reduce animal testing, and the need for faster chemical evaluations, there is increasing demand for effective predictive approaches that maximize the use of existing data. EPA released the 8th version of Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility (SeqAPASS), which is an online screening tool that allows users to rapidly extrapolate toxicity information across animal species. Recognition of Tribal Sovereignty and Tribal Environmental Programs – as discussed in EPA’s Consultation with Indian Tribes (2023) many tribes have environmental programs, game and fish and natural resources programs, brownfields coordinators and Tribal Response Programs that should be consulted for projects impinging on tribal lands (which can include ceded territories, allotments, and other parts of “Indian Country” off reservation). Tribes have various rights with regards to cultural sites off reservation, even in states where they do not currently have reservations.