But, according to
The Washington Post, many researchers and academic organizations say that the criteria "will actually restrict the EPA from using some of the most consequential research on human subjects because it often includes confidential medical records and other proprietary data that cannot be released because of privacy concerns." Says Chris Zarba, former director of the EPA's Science Advisory Board, in the same
Post article: "It sounds good on the surface. But this is a bold attempt to get science out of the way so special interests can do what they want."
Another change pushed through by Trump at the last minute is a significant reduction in environmental and safety requirements for Arctic oil exploration. Native tribes there are especially incensed by this move, and have taken to social media in droves to win support against it. Given the sheer volume of public opposition, it will likely take many weeks before any auctions for these drilling rights leases could be finalized, thus giving the Biden administration a chance to take action before a disaster takes place.