U.S. Chamber of Commerce  [Printer-friendly version]
March 30, 2006

PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE

[Rachel's introduction: In case you had any doubt about the
relationship of risk assessment to the precautionary principle, the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce's position should make it clear. The Chamber
says its objective is to "Ensure that regulatory decisions are based
on scientifically sound and technically rigorous risk assessments,
and oppose the adoption of the precautionary principle as the basis
for regulation."]

Objective

Ensure that regulatory decisions are based on scientifically sound and
technically rigorous risk assessments, and oppose the adoption of the
precautionary principle as the basis for regulation.

Summary of the Issue

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports a science-based approach to risk
management where risk is assessed based on scientifically sound and
technically rigorous analysis. Under this approach, regulatory actions
are justified where there are legitimate, scientifically ascertainable
risks to human health, safety, or the environment. That is, the
greater the risk, the greater the degree of regulatory scrutiny. This
standard has served the nation well, and has led to astounding
breakthroughs in the fields of science, health care, medicine,
biotechnology, agriculture, and many other fields. There is, however,
a relatively new theory known as the precautionary principle that is
gaining popularity among environmentalists and other groups. The
precautionary principle says that when the risks of a particular
activity are unclear or unknown, assume the worst and avoid the
activity. It is essentially a policy of risk avoidance.

The regulatory implications of the precautionary principle are
substantial. For instance, the precautionary principle holds that
since the existence and extent of global warming and climate change
are not known, one should assume the worst, and immediately restrict
the use of carbon-based fuels. However the nature and extent of key
environmental, health, and safety concerns require careful scientific
and technical analysis. That is why the U.S. Chamber has long
supported the use of sound science, cost-benefit analysis, and risk
assessment when assessing a particular regulatory issue.

The precautionary principle has been explicitly incorporated into
various laws and regulations in the European Union and various
international bodies. In the United States, radical environmentalists
are pushing for its adoption as a basis for regulating biotechnology,
food and drug safety, environmental protection, and pesticide use.

U.S. Chamber Strategy

Support a science-based approach to risk management, where risk is
assessed based on scientifically sound and technically rigorous
standards.

Oppose the domestic and international adoption of the precautionary
principle as a basis for regulatory decision making.

Educate consumers, businesses, and federal policymakers about the
implications of the precautionary principle.

Copyright 2006 U.S. Chamber of Commerce 1615 H St NW Washington DC
20062-2000