The Using Artificial Intelligence Tools in ITRC Activities statement was released in September 2026.

The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly being used across professional settings. For the purpose of this document, AI tools refer specifically to generative AI technologies used to create, modify, or analyze text, code, images, or data, excluding standard spelling, grammar, or search engine functionalities.

The use of AI tools is a personal and professional choice. This document does not supersede any other policies developed by an ITRC member’s employer or organization.

Accordingly, ITRC establishes the following principles and expectations to support responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI tools in all ITRC-related activities. ITRC depends on the professional integrity and mutual accountability of its members to comply with these principles and expectations. Non-compliance may subject deliverables to additional review, rejection, or revocation of draft contributions.

Principles and Expectations

Alignment with ITRC’s Policies, Mission and Values

Members who use AI tools must do so in accordance with all existing ITRC governance and policies including but not limited to:

Use of AI tools by ITRC members in ITRC-related work should also support our mission: to develop tools and strategies to reduce barriers to the deployment of innovative environmental technologies.

AI tools should not be used in ways that compromise:

  • Scientific integrity and objectivity;
  • The credibility and defensibility of ITRC products;
  • Individual contributions and expertise from our members;
  • Collaboration and consensus-based decision-making.

Transparency and Disclosure

Transparency is essential to maintaining trust and credibility in ITRC products and processes. ITRC members and staff are expected to:

  • Ensure that AI use is appropriately acknowledged within ITRC programs and project teams, with other members, and as otherwise directed by ITRC leadership;
  • Disclose the use of AI tools to ITRC and clearly document such use in ITRC products through proper citations, acknowledgements, or disclaimers.

Human Responsibility and Oversight

AI tools support, but do not replace human reasoning. Content generated by AI tools should never be treated as authoritative without human verification and validation.  ITRC products must be created and driven by our members, who strive to meet currently accepted scientific and technical standards.  AI tools can produce outputs that are incomplete, biased, or incorrect, and we must use caution when relying on AI-generated information. Members and staff who use AI tools must:

  • Review, validate, and take full accountability for all AI-assistant content including considering allowable data input to AI tools;
  • Ensure technical, regulatory, and scientific accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of the information;
  • Evaluate the use of specific AI tools as input data may be retained, learned from, or redistributed via certain tools;
  • Evaluate AI outputs for potential bias, incomplete perspectives, or unintended assumptions.

Data Stewardship, Privacy, and Confidentiality

ITRC members and staff must exercise caution when using AI tools to ensure protection of sensitive or restricted information. Members should:

  • Adhere to ITRC’s policies regarding data use, sharing, and intellectual property;
  • Follow all applicable state, federal, institutional, and organizational data regulations and policies.
Using AI Tools in ITRC Activities (PDF)