Requiring the Environmental Protection Authority to use the best available science is essential for protecting both people and the environment. Decisions about chemicals, food safety, and new technologies can have long-lasting effects, so they must be based on the most up-to-date, independent, and reliable evidence—not outdated data or limited studies. When strong science is consistently applied, it reduces the risk of harm, builds public trust, and ensures that policies are grounded in facts rather than assumptions or external pressures.
Using the best available science also supports smarter, more balanced decision-making. It allows the Environmental Protection Authority to properly weigh risks and benefits, adapt as new evidence emerges, and avoid costly mistakes that can impact health, ecosystems, and the economy. In a rapidly changing world, where new products and environmental challenges are constantly emerging, committing to rigorous scientific standards is one of the most effective ways to safeguard New Zealand’s future.