Lynn Goldman, former Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances, and Linda Birnbaum, former EPA scientist and Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, were quoted in KFF Health News about FDA’s recent classification of formaldehyde as a human carcinogen and its concerning usage in hair products. Bob Sussman, former Deputy Administrator and Senior Policy Counsel to the Administrator, was quoted in the Port City Daily about Chemours’ lawsuit against EPA challenging a non-regulatory and non-enforceable GenX health advisory. Linda Birnbaum, former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program, was quoted in National Geographic about the prevalence of PFAS and BPA chemicals and what precautions you can take to limit exposure.
EPN Comments on EDSP Near-Term Strategies for Implementation
On February 26, 2024, EPN submitted comments on EPA's white paper "Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP): Near-Term Strategies for Implementation." We suggested modifications that involve the scope of the near-term approach, and prioritization and timelines for—as well as process and methods for EDSP evaluation of—conventional active ingredients.
EPN Comments on EPA’s Draft Risk Evaluation for TCEP
On February 13, 2024, EPN submitted comments on EPA's draft risk evaluation for TCEP. We generally agreed with the findings of the evaluation but suggested developing aggregate exposure assessments for every chemical’s condition of use.
EPN Sends Letter to EPA on Asbestos and TCEP Evaluations
On January 24, 2024, EPN sent a letter to EPA about the agency's peer review practices related to the TSCA Asbestos Part 2 and the TCEP risk evaluations. While we are pleased with the progress, we are also concerned that corners are being cut by the omission of full Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals peer reviews.
Chemicals in the News
FDA’s Plan to Ban Hair Relaxer Chemical Called Too Little, Too Late
Chemours’ Fight Against GenX Health Advisory Goes to Court, Holds National Ramifications
‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Hiding in Your Kitchen. Here’s Where—and What You Can Do
Betsy Southerland, former Director, Office of Science & Technology in the Office of Water, was quoted in Nature about the threat to scientific integrity if Trump gets elected for another term.
Ronnie Levin, former Senior Scientist, Risk Assessor, Lead Inspector, Enforcement Office, Region 1, was quoted in E&E News about issues with the surveys periodically sent to states to determine their lead line replacement and water infrastructure needs.
Betsy Southerland, former Director, Office of Science & Technology in the Office of Water, was quoted in E&E News about the Sackett vs. EPA decision made by the Supreme Court last year and the potential influence it will have on regulating toxic chemical discharges, including PFAS, in waterways across the country.
EPN members penned their own op-eds on misleading advertising about EPA emission standards, and three cases going before the Supreme Court that will affect the authority of administrative agencies Margo Oge, former Director of Office of Transportation and Air Quality, wrote an op-ed in Forbes about misleading ads being run in swing states for EPA’s proposed car emission standards. Dan Reich, former Assistant Regional Counsel, EPA Region 9, wrote an op-ed in The Messenger about the unchecked power of the Supreme Court and three cases that threaten to limit the authority of administrative agencies, including EPA, and undermine the separation of powers.
Misleading Ads On EPA Car Emissions Rule Ignore The Real Benefits
The Supreme Court’s Danger-to-Democracy Cases: It’s Not Just About Trump
In addition to the articles above, EPN members contributed to a range of articles on topics such as Project 2025, new RCRA guidelines, an upcoming tailpipe emissions rule, and more. Stan Meiburg, former DRA in Region 4 and Region 6 and Acting Deputy Administrator, was quoted in E&E News about Project 2025, a report released by the Heritage Foundation, that proposes the restructuring of the federal government, agency by agency, if a Republican wins the 2024 election. Barnes Johnson, former Director, Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, was quoted in Inside EPA about a new guidance EPA has finalized under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that includes climate change considerations. Jeff Alson, former Senior Engineer and Policy Advisor, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality, was quoted in E&E News about the possible options for EPA’s tailpipe emissions proposal that is being finalized and expected to be announced soon. Bob Sussman, former Deputy Administrator and Senior Policy Counsel to the Administrator, was quoted in Common Dreams about EPA withholding important test data regarding the presence of PFOA and PFAS in plastic containers. Jeremy Symons, environmental consultant to EPN and former EPA climate policy adviser, was quoted in E&E News about DOE’s review that will focus on the climate impacts of LNG exports. Jay Benforado, former Chief Innovation Officer, Office of Research and Development, was quoted in The Guardian about non-profit groups giving back their grants because of a lack of federal grant management support and infrastructure.
Conservatives Gear Up for EPA Revamp in 2025
EPA Finalizes RCRA Climate Guide Seen ‘Underscoring’ Industry Practice
Inside the ‘Alternative’ Clean Car Rule Biden May Push
EPA Conceals PFAS Health Info as Trade Secret
Inside Biden’s Climate Test for LNG
‘The EPA Needs to Humble Itself’: Why Some US Non-Profits Are Turning Down Agency Funds
