The concern at the highest levels of the federal government is with the type of societal impacts that may be seen if Y2K problems are not successfully resolved by January 1, 2000. The glitch could cause them to operate unpredictably or stop running altogether. For EPA and its mission to protect the environment, the problem has specific and vital importance.
Information technology is an essential component in protecting the environment.
Devastating effects could occur through such problems as accidental contamination of drinking water, the release of harmful pollutants into the air, and the inappropriate distribution of chemicals and toxins into the community. We want to encourage the agriculture community to recognize that this issue is not simply a computer software problem. An estimated 25 billion products are computerized because they contain a small embedded computer chip. These chips may need to be replaced to ensure that the product will function as of January 1, 2000. Provide a framework that encourages Y2K testing and information sharing by the regulated community, as appropriate, while minimizing the potential of serious harm to human health and the environment.