Open Data Policies and Guidance

Legislation requiring increased transparency of government has led to an expansion of data resources available to the public. Governance over this effort is mandated at the Federal level and then applied individually by each agency. The result is a Data Governance Body within each agency that reports to both the Office of Management and Budget and the public regarding progress on implementation of Open Data initiatives.

Federal Statutes

EPA's open data sharing operates under the following statutes:

Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018

The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 was signed into law in January 2019. The law incorporates many of the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking (2017) to improve the use of evidence and data to generate policies and inform programs in the federal government. The new law requires the development of learning agendas, enhances open Government policy initiatives, and promotes enhanced public access to agency data assets. All agencies are now required to develop evidence-based policy and evaluation plans as part of regular business.

The Evidence Based Policy Making Act requires all agencies to create a Data Governance Body led by a Chief Data Officer (CDO). The CDO at EPA established a Data Governance Council consisting of senior staff who are experienced and active data managers, analysts and practitioners. This council will advise and support the CDO in creating ongoing frameworks and strategies for governing data throughout the information lifecycle.

21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA)

The 21st Century IDEA act aims to improve the digital experience for government customers and reinforces existing requirements for federal public websites. The following reports include list of key websites and digital services operated by EPA that have been prioritized and targeted for modernization. Read EPA's response to the IDEA act.

EPA Policies

The following documents outline how the EPA adapts federal mandates to govern the agency's data repositories and stewards.

Data Management

Proper management of its vast data collection allows the EPA to effectively share meaningful and accurate information with the public. The following documents describe the agency's data management procedures.