page updated 11/01/05 Agencies

• Department of Agriculture
  • Forest Service
• Department of Commerce
  • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
• Department of Defense
  • Army Corp of Engineers
• Department of Education
• Department of Energy
• Department of Health and Human Services
  • Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
  • Centers for Disease Control
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
• Department of Interior
  • Fish and Wildlife Service
• Department of Labor
• Department of State
• Department of Transportation
  • Federal Aviation Administration
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Office of Science and Technology Policy
• National Archives & Records Administration
• United States Access Board
• Commodity Futures Trading Commission
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Federal Communications Commission
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Federal Trade Commission

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• USDA/HHS Challenge on WHO Report - The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) filed a request for correction Sept. 8 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenging the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Report 916, Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/19/2003)
  • Challenge (09/08/2003)
  • Information Being Challenged (2003)

Forest Service

• Weed Control Challenge - A Montana organization filed a petition challenging Environmental Impact Statements which provide information on the chronic health impacts of herbicides used for weed control.
  • Challenge (09/14/2004)
• Resource Management Planning Challenge- A request filed recently to the U.S. Department of Agriculture challenges the data quality of information supporting a Forest Service Federal Register Notice for the National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning proposed rulemaking.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 07/16/2003)
  • Challenge (04/04/2003)
  • Agency Response (06/09/2003)
  • Information Being Challenged (12/06/2002)
• Livestock Exclusion from Willow Flycatcher Habitat- An Arizona ranch owner submitted a petition March 21 requesting correction of guidance criteria that calculate the effects grazing has on threatened and endangered species, particularly the southwestern willow flycatcher.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/13/2003)
  • Challenge (03/21/2003)
  • 1st Response (06/20/2003)
  • 2nd Response (08/22/2003)
  • Challenger Appeal (10/06/2003)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (04/20/2004)
  • Related OMB Watch Article (10/18/2004)
• Small Timber Categorical Exclusions Challenge- Several groups filed a request seeking a correction of information related to a January 8, 2003 Federal Register Notice for the "National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Limited Timber Harvest."
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 03/02/2004)
  • Challenge (03/10/2003)
  • Agency Response (05/22/2003)
  • 2nd Agency Response (07/29/2003)
  • Challenger Appeal (09/10/2003)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (02/12/2004)
  • Information Being Challenged (01/08/2003)
• 5 Goshawk Petitions- A series of industry sponsored data quality petitions challenged documents restricting logging and forest use in order to protect the Northern Goshawk, a hawk listed in several regions as a "sensitive species."
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 12/04/2003)
  • Goshawk Challenge (01/17/2003)
  • Agency Response (07/25/2003)
  • Black Hills National Forest Phase I Goshawk Analysis Challenge (01/17/2003)
  • Agency Response (07/25/2003)
  • Expert Interview Summary for the Black Hills National Forest Challenge (01/17/2003)
  • Agency Response (07/25/2003)
  • Record of Decision for Amendment of Forest Plans Challenge (01/17/2003)
  • Agency Response (07/25/2003)
  • Conservation Assessment for the Northern Goshawk in Southeast Alaska Challenge (01/17/2003)
  • Agency Response (07/25/2003)
  • Challenger Appeal (09/04/2003)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (01/08/2004)

Click to view the Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service's online docket of data quality requests. Department of Commerce

• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Challenge- The USPTO received a data quality request requesting correction of information associated with a specific patent, asserting that during processing, the wrong set of claims where identified and disseminated with the patent on the USPTO website.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 03/01/2004)
  • Challenge (10/02/2002)
  • Agency Response (11/21/2002)
• Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Challenge- the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness filed a petition challenging dollar amounts on ICANN's financial statements.
  • Challenge (08/10/2004)
  • Agency Response (08/30/2004)
  • Challenger Appeal (09/29/2004)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (11/24/2004)

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• Groundfish Challenge - Trawlers Survival Fund and Associated Fisheries of Maine submitted a petition challenging a published list of reference points for New England groundfish, which serve as goals for federal conservation and management.
  • Challenge (10/16/2003)
  • Agency Response (12/15/2003)
  • Challenger Appeal (01/14/2004)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (03/12/2004)
• Salmon Farming Data Quality Challenge - the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received a challenge and a precedent-setting counter-challenge questioning information supporting limitations imposed on salmon farmers.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 05/19/2003)
• Multi-Agency Data Quality Challenge on Global Warming - Petitions seek withdrawal of the inter-agency technical document that underlies most of the federal Government's recent statements about global climate change.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/12/2003)
  • Challenge (02/19/2003)
  • Information Being Challenged (2000)

Click to view the Department of Commerce's online docket of data quality requests. Department of Defense (DoD) Army Corp of Engineers

• Upper Mississippi River Challenge - The Missouri Coalition for the Environment Foundation submitted a petition challenging the results of a study on flow rates of the Mississippi River.
• Challenge (04/01/2005)
• Everglades Challenge - A private citizen filed a petition challenging an environmental impact statement on modified water deliveries to the Everglades National Park.
• Challenge (08/09/2004)
• Day Creek Challenge - A request formally submitted Feb. 23 challenges the 100-year flow computation for Day Creek in San Bernardino County, California.
• Challenge (02/23/2004)
• PEER Challenge- Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) filed a data quality petition with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers alleging a monthly status report does not meet OMB or the Department of Defense's data quality guidelines.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 04/21/2004)
• Challenge (08/20/2003)
• Agency Response (03/08/2004)
• Information Being Challenged (08/07/2003)
• Lawsuit (12/09/2003)

Click to view the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers online docket of data quality requests. Department of Education

• Title IX Challenge- The Department of Education received its first data quality petition February 26, 2003 challenging dissemination of a report examining sport opportunities for women and men under Title IX.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 02/11/2004)
• Challenge (02/26/2003)
• Agency Response (05/19/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (06/18/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (09/15/2003)
• Information Being Challenged (02/28/2003)
• Lawsuit Analysis (updated 03/03/2004)
• Lawsuit (08/2003)
• Lawsuit Dismissal (02/23/2004)

Click to view the Department of Education's online docket of data quality requests. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Picture Caption Challenge - A request was submitted to change the caption of a nuclear facility to the correct name.
• Challenge (10/10/2003)
• Agency Response (10/15/2003)

Click to view the Department of Energy's online docket of data quality requests. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Abstinence Challenge - Advocates for Youth and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States submitted a petition challenging the quality of information contained in abstinence curricula.
• Challenge (09/13/2005)
• Agency Response (01/23/2006)

• Healthfinder Challenge - a citizen submitted a petition challenging web links from the agency's healthfinder.gov website.
• Challenge (07/16/2004)
• Agency Response (12/09/2004)

• USDA/HHS Challenge on WHO Report - The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) filed a request for correction Sept. 8 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenging the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Report 916, Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/19/2003)
• Challenge (09/08/2003)
• Agency Response (01/08/2004)
• Information Being Challenged (2003)
• Related OMB Watch Article (09/04/2004)

Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ASTDR)

• Challenge of Draft Atrazine Profile - The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness, Kansas Corn Growers Association and Triazine Network challenge a draft profile of Atrazine.
• Challenge (12/05/2005)

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• Illinois Beach Park Challenge - A private citizen is seeking the correction of a press release that discusses health risks from asbestos at a public beach.
• Challenge (07/26/2005)
• CDC Weblink Challenge - A contractor with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) submitted a data quality petition to the CDC Jan. 8 challenging a web link CDC provides on its website.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 12/03/2003)
• Challenge (01/10/2003)
• Agency Response (03/03/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (03/28/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (04/28/2003)
• Information Being Challenged
• Antibiotics for Poultry Challenge - A data quality petition filed December 6, 2002 by the Animal Health Institute challenged information the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disseminates regarding fluoroquinolones.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 12/10/2003)
• Challenge (12/06/2002)
• Agency Response (03/13/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (03/27/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (07/11/2003)
• Water Fluoridation Challenge - CDC received a request from a private citizen November 19, 2002 challenging a published statement that indicates fluoridation of public water supplies is safe.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 06/15/2004)
• Challenge (11/19/2002)
• Agency Response (01/09/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (01/19/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (03/09/2003)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

• SafeBlood Challenge - SafeBlood technologies challenged Medicare information on a Blue Cross and Blue Shield website.
• Challenge (11/14/2002)
• Agency Response (01/14/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (01/23/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (04/17/2003)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• Medical Marijuana Challenge - Americans for Safe Access, the national medical-marijuana advocacy group, submitted a petition challenging HHS statements on the marijuana's medical usefulness.
• Challenge (10/06/2004)
• Agency Response (04/20/2005)
• Challenger Appeal (05/19/2005)

• Pain Products Challenge - and industry marketing group submitted a petition challenging information disseminated as part of FDA's consumer campaign on over the counter pain medications.
• Challenge (05/18/2004)
• Agency Response (08/25/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (10/22/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (03/07/2005)

• Environmental Working Group Challenge on Mercury - The Environmental Working Group submitted a on December 22, 2003, one of the few challenges submitted by a nonprofit. The request challenges the 2003 FDA Consumption Advisory for mercury.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 02/11/2004)
• Challenge (12/22/2003)
• Agency Response (02/15/2005)
• Challenger Appeal (03/15/2005)
• Agency Response to Appeal (05/16/2005)
• Second Antibiotics Challenge - The Animal Health Institute filed a data quality petition Jan. 22 to the Food and Drug Administration challenging a risk assessment of the human health impacts from fluoroquinolone resistant bacteria (Camplylobacter).
• OMB Watch Analysis(updated 01/30/2004)
• Challenge (01/22/2003)
• Agency Response (03/20/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (04/16/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (09/16/2003)

• Hair Test Challenge - Omega Laboratories submitted a letter to FDA asking it to remove a letter on its website asserting that the Omega Laboratories sells hair sample tests to detect drug use that are not approved by the FDA.
• Challenge (12/03/2003)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Second Anthraquinone Challenge - a commercial user of anthraquinone filed a petition challenging a study that labels the biopesticide as a mutagen and carcinogen.
• Challenge (01/18/2005)
• Agency Response (04/21/2005)

• NIH Atrazine Challenge - several industry groups submitted a challenge concerning the listing of atrazine as a carcinogen in the 12th Report on Carcinogens.
• Challenge (07/16/2004)
• Agency Response (05/25/2005)
• Challenger Appeal (06/24/2005)

• Vinyl Chloride Challenge - the American Chemistry Council's request for correction challenges information on vinyl chloride disseminated in the 11th and 12th Report on Carcinogens.
• Challenge (07/01/2004)
• Agency Response (01/18/2005)

• Report on Carcinogens Challenge - the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness and several others submitted a petition challenging information disseminated in a Federal Register notice, which states that two different, conflicting review procedures are simultaneously being used in the 12th Report on Carcinogens.
• Challenge (06/28/2004)
• Agency Response (02/16/2005)

• Naphthalene Challenge - the American Chemistry Council submitted a challenge on naphthalene information disseminated while developing the 11th Report on Carcinogens.
• Challenge (04/01/2004)
• Agency Response (01/18/2005)
• Challenger Appeal (02/18/2005)

• Smokeless Tobacco Challenge - the National Legal and Policy Center is challenging information in a publication that discusses the relative risks of smokeless tobacco as compared to cigarettes.
• Challenge (03/17/2004)
• Agency Response (06/29/2004)
• Information Being Challenged (revised version)

• Anthraquinone Report Challenge - the Chemical Products Corporation submitted a petition challenging a revised draft technical report on the toxicology and carcinogenesis of anthraquinone.
• Challenge (02/24/2004)
• Agency Response (07/16/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (07/29/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (01/31/2005)
• 2nd Challenge (03/14/2005)
• Agency Response (03/18/2005)

• Styrene Challenge - the Styrene Information and Research Center filed a petition challenging a press release and fact sheet that contains information about styrene use in plastics.
• Challenge (06/10/2003)
• Agency Response (08/14/2003)

• Salt Challenge- the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) and the Salt Institute filed a data quality petition challenging National Institutes of Health information that claims or suggests that reduced sodium consumption will result in lower blood pressure in all individuals.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 04/22/2004)
• Challenge (05/14/2003)
• Agency Response (08/19/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (09/22/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (02/11/2004)
• Information Being Challenged (01/04/2001)
• Lawsuit Analysis (updated 01/25/2005)
• Lawsuit (03/31/2004)
• Lawsuit Dismissal (11/15/2004)

• Nickel Challenge - Several nickel producers challenged National Toxicology Program statements on nickel as a carcinogen.
• Challenge (04/11/2003)
• Agency Response (10/24/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (11/17/2003)
• Response to Appeal (10/27/2004)
• Information Being Challenged (12/2002)

• Anthraquinone Abstract Challenge -The Chemical Products Corporation (CPC) submitted a data quality petition to the National Institutes of Health challenging the abstract of a draft technical report on the toxicology and carcinogenesis of Anthraquinone.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 03/02/2004)
• Challenge (11/15/2002)
• Agency Response (03/19/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (03/27/2003)
• Response to Appeal (09/08/2003)
• Information Being Challenged

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)

• Smokeless Tobacco Challenge - The National Legal and Policy Center submitted a challenge of SAMHSA's dissemination of information on smokeless tobacco.
• Challenge (12/19/2005)

Click to view the Department of Health and Human Services' online docket for challenges. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

• Second Sage Grouse Challenge - The Partnership for the West submitted a petition challenging the 90-day Finding for Petitions to List the Greater Sage-grouse as Threatened or Endangered, as well as a conservation assessment.
• Challenge (09/23/2004)
• Agency Response (07/18/2005)
• Osage Hydroelectric Challenge - The Osage Hydroelectric Company is challenging FWS statements about paddlefish survival in the Osage Project Waterways.
• Challenge (06/22/2004)
• Amendment to Challenge (07/28/2004)
• Agency Response (08/03/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (08/23/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (08/26/2004)
• First Sage Grouse Challenge - The Owyhee County Board of Commissioners submitted a petition challenging information included in a 90-day finding to list the sage grouse as endangered.
• Challenge (06/21/2004)
• Agency Response (07/18/2005)
• Sand Mountain Blue Butterfly Challenge - A request for correction challenges the quality of a petition to list the Sand Mountain Blue Butterfly as a threatened or endangered species.
• Challenge (06/21/2004)
• Agency Response (07/22/2004)
• Florida Panther Challenge - Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is challenging the agency's definition of panther habitat characteristics.
• Challenge (05/04/2004)
• Agency Response (07/07/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (07/28/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (03/16/2005)
• Second Pygmy-owl Challenge - National Association of Home Builders submitted a petition challenging information on the critical habitat of the Pygmy-owl.
• Challenge (06/27/2003)
• Agency Response (10/08/2003)
• First Pygmy-owl Challenge - An Arizona ranch and cattle company owner submitted a petition arguing that a draft recovery plan and proposed rule designating critical habitat for the pygmy-owl violate the Data Quality Act.
• Challenge (04/02/2003)
• Agency Response (10/08/2003)
• Manatee Challenge - Florida Marine Contractors Association challenged a federal rulemaking on manatee protection plans for five counties in Florida.
• Challenge (05/29/2003)
• Agency Response (08/04/2003)
• Trumpeter Swans Challenge- Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) filed a petition challenging an internal report used to support the agency's finding that trumpeter swans do not constitute a Distinct Population Segment (DPS), therefore not qualifying for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 07/31/2003)
• Challenge (05/28/2003)
• Agency Response (07/30/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (08/19/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal (03/26/2004)
• Slickspot Peppergrass Challenge - Terry Bashore of the U.S. Air Force submitted a petition challenging information concerning a proposed rule to list slickspot peppergrass as an endangered species.
• OMB Watch Analysis (08/09/2004)
• Challenge (part 1), (part 2) (03/31/2003)
• Agency Response (07/25/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (08/01/2003)
• Agency Response to Appeal Withdrawal (09/03/2003)
• Second Agency Response to Appeal Withdrawal (02/11/2004)
• Salmon Farming Data Quality Challenge - the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service received a challenge and a precedent-setting counter-challenge questioning information supporting limitations imposed on salmon farmers.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 05/19/2003)
• Challenge (03/28/2003)
• Agency Response (08/07/2003)

Click to view the Fish & Wildlife Service's online docket of data quality requests. Department of Labor (DOL)

• Diesel Exhaust Rule- The Marg Diesel Coalition requests that the Mining challenge a Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) rule that would protect miners from harmful particulate matter in diesel exhaust.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/01/2005)
• Challenge
• Ergonomics Guidelines- The National Coalition of Ergonomics challenges three Occupational Safety and Health Administration publications regarding Ergonomics Guidelines for poultry processing, retail grocery stores, and nursing homes.
• First Challenge(04/01/2005)
• Second Challenge(06/06/2005)
• Agency Response to Second Challenge(06/28/2005)
• Agency Response to First Challenge (07/28/2005)

The Department of Labor provides summaries of other data quality requests but does not provide access to the requests or agency responses. Click to view the Department of Labor's online summaries of data quality requests. Department of State The Department of State provides a webpage that lists the text of its requests under the DQA. It does not have separate pages for individuals requests. Click to view the Department of State's online data quality page. Department of Transportation (DOT)

• FMCSA Accident Challenges- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has received 80 data quality challenges from various motor carriers, most of which challenge accident reports.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 10/14/2004)
• Challenges

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

• Age 60 Rule Challenge- The Federal Aviation Administration received a request challenging the agency's age 60 rule for pilots.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/19/2003)
• Challenge (04/15/2003)
• Agency Response (09/09/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (10/10/2003)
• 1st Amendment to Appeal (10/20/2003)
• 2nd Amendment to Appeal (11/07/2003)
• 3rd Amendment to Appeal (04/12/2004)

Click to view the Department of Transportation's online docket of data quality requests. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• EPA Storm Water Enforcement Presentation Challenge - The National Association of Home Builders challenges "Storm Water Enforcement and Compliance: Construction" presentation available on the EPA website.
• Challenge (02/03/2006)

• Enforcement and Compliance History Online Database Challenge - Sterling Chemicals, Inc. challenges information in the Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database.
• Challenge (11/03/2006)

• Biological and Water Quality Study Challenge - The Jefferson County Commission challenges a 2002 EPA report on biological and water quality studies of the Cahaba River.
• Challenge (10/26/2005)

• Second Wood Preservative Council Challenge - the Wood Preservative Council submitted a petition challenging agency information on chromated copper arsenate treated wood.
• Challenge (10/17/2005)

• First Wood Preservative Council Challenge - the Wood Preservative Council submitted a petition challenging two documents focused on the cancer risks of arsenic.
• Challenge (09/02/2005)
• Agency Response (02/06/2006)

• Carcinogen Risk Assessment Challenge - the Washington Legal Foundation and the American Council on Science and Health submitted a petition challenging EPA's Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment.
  • Challenge (08/23/2005)

• Cement Kiln Challenge - the Cement Kiln Recycling Coalition requested the correction of the "Inventory of Sources and Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds," asserting that is overestimates the releases of dioxin and furan from hazardous waste burning cement kilns.
• Challenge (06/30/2005)
• Challenge Withdrawal (09/26/2005)
• Agency Response to Withdrawal (10/03/2005)

• Metam Sodium Alliance Challenge - the Metam Sodium Alliance submitted a petition challenging a human health risk assessment on metam sodium.
• Challenge (06/24/2005)
• Agency Response (07/11/2005)
• Challenger Appeal (10/11/2005)

• Cacodylic Acid Challenge - the MAA Research Task Force is challenging an agency document which contains calculations used in determining a provisional oral chronic reference dose for cacodylic acid.
• Challenge (03/08/2005)
• Agency Response (10/06/2005)

• Isopropyl Alcohol TRI Challenge - The American Chemistry Council is requesting that the reporting requirement for Isopropyl Alcohol under the Toxic Release Inventory be removed, due to erroneous information and an erroneous listing.
• Challenge (02/24/2005)
• Agency Response (06/22/2005)

• Atrazine Re-registration Challenge - a private citizen is challenging the objectivity of information used during the re-registration process for atrazine.
• Challenge (01/10/2005)
• Agency Response (07/07/2005)

• Diisocyanates Challenge - The American Chemistry Council Diisocyanates Panel is challenging information on EPA's Design for the Environment website that discuss the toxicology of diisocyanates.
• Challenge (09/15/2004)
• Agency Response (12/21/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (02/28/2005)
• Appeal Withdrawal (06/22/2005)
• Information Being Challenged (revised 02/1997)

• Fourth Geronimo Creek Challenge - The petitioner is challenging EPA statements on two agency websites concerning ozone and nitrogen oxides.
• Challenge (09/08/2004)
• Agency Response (03/10/2005)
• Information Being Challenged: website #1, website #2

• National Priorities Listing Challenge - A remediation corporation is challenging the data EPA used as a basis for listing Devil's Swamp Lake in Louisiana on the National Priorities List.
• OMB Watch Article (01/25/2005)
• Challenge (08/31/2004)
• Agency Response (12/16/2004)
• Information Being Challenged: Site Narrative, Fact Sheet (07/15/2004), and HRS Documentation Record Review (02/2004)

• Wal-Mart Fact Sheet Challenge - The National Association of Homebuilders is challenging a fact sheet on a lawsuit settlement between the U.S. and Wal-Mart.
• Challenge (07/09/2004)
• Agency Response (12/22/2004)
• Information Being Challenged (05/12/2004)

• Dow Chemical Challenge - Dow Chemical Company is challenging a quality assurance and work plan document on the groundwater flowing into the Plaquemine Aquifer in Louisiana.
• Challenge (06/15/2004)
• Agency Response (10/06/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (01/03/2005)
• Agency Response to Appeal (06/01/2005)

• Paint Industry Challenge - the National Paint and Coatings Association and Sherwin-Williams Company submitted a petition challenging planned regulations that would limit volatile organic compounds in paints, stains and varnishes.
• Challenge (06/02/2004)
• Agency Response (02/25/2005)
• Challenger Appeal (05/26/2005)
• Chamber of Commerce Chemical Property Challenge - The Chamber of Commerce submitted a data quality challenge to EPA May 26, 2004, seeking the correction of chemical property information published in several public EPA databases.
• OMB Watch Article (01/27/2005)
• Challenge (05/26/2004)
• Agency Response (01/12/2005)
• Challenger Appeal (04/11/2005)
• Third Geronimo Creek Observatory Challenge - An individual from the Geronimo Creek Observatory in Texas submitted a third data quality challenge to EPA on May 24, 2004, challenging several statement contained in EPA's response to comments on the "Designation and Classification of Areas for the 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard."
• Challenge (05/24/2004)
• Agency Response (09/21/2004)
• National Multi Council Housing Challenge - Ten organizations submitted a request for reconsideration March 10. The petition challenges a statement contained in a Federal Register notice on ratio utility billing systems (RUBS) and other allocation billing systems for water use.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 06/16/2004)
• Challenge (03/10/2004)
• Agency Response (08/05/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (11/05/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (09/28/2005)
• Information Being Challenged (12/23/2003)
• Perchlorate Study Group Challenge - The Perchlorate Study Group (PSG) submitted a data quality request for correction December 3, 2003, challenging a number of documents used to assess implications of perchlorate ingestion.
• OMB Watch Analysis(updated 04/23/2004)
• Challenge (12/03/2003)
• Renewal of Request (03/25/2004)
• Agency Response(09/15/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (12/21/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (08/19/2005)
• Diisononyl Phthalate Challenge - The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) submitted a request for correction along with the American Chemistry Council (ACC) challenging the objectivity and utility of the "Technical Review of Diisononyl Phthalate" and a rulemaking proposal that relies on the review.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/19/2003)
• Challenge (10/16/2003)
• Agency Response (03/15/2004)
• Air Quality Challenges - An individual affiliated with the Texas Academy of Science recently submitted two data quality petitions challenging information regarding air quality.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 01/30/2004)
• 1st Challenge (09/25/2003)
• Agency Response (01/12/2004)
• 2nd Challenge (10/03/2003)
• Agency Response (03/08/2004)
• Gold Book Challenge - The law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius submitted a data quality petition challenging a 1986 publication that provides guidance to mechanics on the hazards of asbestos exposure.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/25/2003)
• Challenge (08/19/2003)
• Agency Response (11/24/2003)
• Bromate Challenge - The EPA recently received two data quality petitions that challenge references to bromate as a carcinogen.
• OMB Watch Analysis (updated 09/26/2003)
• First Challenge (07/21/2003)
• Second Challenge (08/18/2003)
• Agency Response (04/28/2004)
• Challenger Appeal (07/14/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (06/09/2005)
• Perchlorate Challenges - A Massachusetts citizen submitted two challenges questioning EPA decisions and statements on perchlorate.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 09/25/2003)
  • First Challenge (03/14/2003)
  • Agency Response to First Challenge (08/25/2003)
  • Second Challenge (07/05/2003)
  • Agency Response to Second Challenge (02/23/2004)
• Senators' Challenge - Several Senators submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a request for correction of information- the first data quality challenge submitted by Members of Congress.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 09/29/2003)
  • Challenge (03/06/2003)
  • Whitman Letter (05/07/2003)
  • Agency Response (06/13/2003)
• Multi-Agency Data Quality Challenge on Global Warming -Petitions seek withdrawal of the inter-agency technical document that underlies most of the federal Government's recent statements about global climate change
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/12/2003)
  • Challenge (02/10/2003)
  • Agency Response (05/16/2003)
  • Challenger Appeal (05/21/2003)
  • Agency Interim Appeal Response (08/15/2003)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (09/23/2003)
  • Information Being Challenged (05/2002)
• BMW Challenge - The BMW Manufacturing Corporation has submitted a petition to challenge EPA listing of a BMW facility as being in Significant Non-Compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 10/22/2003)
  • Challenge (02/07/2003)
  • Agency Response (05/09/2003)
  • Challenger Appeal(12/01/2003)
  • Interim Appeal Response (04/05/2004)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (05/13/2004)
• EPA Science Advisory Board Minutes Challenge- U.S. Chamber of Commerce requested that EPA "correct" the minutes from the October 1, 2002 meeting of the EPA Science Advisory Board.
  • Challenge (12/17/2002)
  • Agency Response (03/05/2003)
  • OMB Watch Article (updated 03/10/2003)
• Atrazine Challenge- Multiple groups challenged an Environmental Risk Assessment focusing on endocrine effects from the herbicide atrazine.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 10/20/2003)
  • Challenge (11/25/2002)
  • Agency Response to Challenge: To CRE and Triazine Network (01/30/2003)
  • Information Being Challenged (04/22/2002)
• Barium Challenge- Barium production corporation requests corrections on information about barium in EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 03/02/2004)
  • Challenge (10/29/2002)
  • Agency Response (01/30/2003)
  • Challenger Appeal (03/14/2003)
  • Agency Response to Appeal (12/11/2003)
  • Challenger Letter Addressing Appeal (12/30/2003)
  • Agency Response to Letter (02/18/2004)
• Ohio EPA Challenges- An individual with the Ohio EPA submitted two requests for correction of information.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 05/19/2003)
  • 1st Challenge (10/21/2002)
  • Agency Response (12/04/2002)
  • 2nd Challenge (10/21/2002)
  • Agency Response (12/04/2002)

Click to view EPA's online docket of data quality requests. Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

• Multi-Agency Data Quality Challenge on Global Warming- Petitions seek withdrawal of the inter-agency technical document that underlies most of the federal Government's recent statements about global climate change.
  • OMB Watch Analysis (updated 11/12/2003)
  • Challenge (02/19/2003)
  • Information Being Challenged (2000)
  • Lawsuit Analysis (updated 11/12/2003)
  • Lawsuit (08/06/2003)

National Archives & Records Administration (NARA) OMB Watch does not have access to the full text of data quality challenges received by NARA, but the agency's website provides summaries of all requests. United States Access Board

• Pool and Spa Products Challenge - a pool and spa manufacturer challenged information located on the Access Board website about pool and spa products.
• Challenge (12/03/2003)
• Agency Response (01/16/2004)

Click to view the Access Board's docket of data quality requests. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

• Options & Futures Historical Data Challenge
  • Challenge (09/22/2003)
  • Agency Response

Click to view CFTC's online docket of data quality requests. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Third Playground Equipment Challenge - the Competitive Enterprise Institute challenged an agency petition to ban the use of chromated copper arsenate treated wood in playground equipment.
• Challenge (10/16/2003)
• Agency Response (12/03/2003)

• Second Clothes Dryer Challenge - the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers filed a challenge asking the commission to remove in its entirety a report on electric clothes dryers and lint ignition characteristics.
• Challenge (page 11) (09/12/2003)
• Agency Response (page 1) (11/21/2003)
• Challenger Appeal (page 39) (01/21/2004)
• Agency Response to Appeal (page 35) (03/19/2004)

• Clothes Dryer Challenge - an engineering firm submitted a petition challenged information contained in a report on electric clothes dryers and lint ignition characteristics.
• Challenge (07/11/2003)
• Agency Response (06/08/2004)

• Second Playground Equipment Challenge - the Competitive Enterprise Institute submitted a petition challenging agency information on chromated copper arsenate and it use on playground equipment.
• Challenge (page 13) (03/28/2003)
• Agency Response (page 1) (06/09/2003)

• Playground Equipment Challenge - the American Chemistry Council submitted a petition challenging a study on chromated copper arsenate treated wood.
  • Challenge (02/05/2003)
  • Agency Response (02/10/2003)

Click to view Consumer Product Safety Commission's online docket of data quality requests. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

• Line Charge Challenge - TeleTruth submitted a complaint requesting that the FCC redo the entire data collection and analysis for the creation and implementation of the FCC Line Charge ceiling.
  • Challenge (06/01/2004)
  • Agency Response (09/09/2005)

Click to view FCC's online docket of data quality requests. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

• Virginia Power Challenge - FERC received a petition seeking correction of the status of Virginia Power on the agency website.
• Challenge (08/02/2005)
• Agency Response

• Website License Challenge - a law firm submitted a petition seeking correction of license information on the agency's website.
• Challenge (05/19/2005)
• Agency Response

Click to view FERC's online docket of data quality requests. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Credit Card Challenge - The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness submitted a petition challenging information published in a Federal Register notice regarding credit card offers.
• Challenge (05/20/2005)
• Agency Response (08/16/2005)
• Appeal (09/26/2005)
• Agency Response to Appeal(12/22/2005)

Click to view FTC's online docket of data quality requests. top of the page