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Expand Capacity And Coordination To Better Integrate Community Data Into Environmental Governance

Summary

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) proposes enhanced integration of community-generated environmental data into federal systems to improve environmental governance. Frontline communities experiencing climate change and environmental pollution often collect valuable data providing social and environmental context. However, obstacles such as complex policies, legal landscapes, and capacity issues hinder the integration of this data into federal systems. The FAS recommends building the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) internal capacity to recognize and apply community-generated data. Suggestions include creating collaborative frameworks, developing responsible scientific collaboration guidance, and establishing capacity-building programs. The FAS also advocates for expanding the Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) to facilitate environmental data sharing by community-based organizations and addressing misaligned data standards through collaboration with relevant agencies. Improved integration is seen as essential for evidence-based policy-making and regulatory decisions.

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