Judith Enck, former Regional Administrator for EPA Region 2, was quoted in Politico Pro about the five chemicals recently prioritized for risk evaluation by EPA, which are all commonly used in the production of plastics. Linda Birnbaum, former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health and the National Toxicology Program, was quoted in the Bangor Daily News about the approaching 2025 deadline to report and regulate PFAS in Maine, despite manufacturers in the state saying they will not be prepared in time.
EPN Comments on Risk Evaluation Under TSCA
On December 14, 2023, EPN submitted comments on EPA’s proposed rule “Procedures for Chemical Risk Evaluation Under TSCA.” We expressed some concerns and offered various suggestions to try to better clarify the risk evaluation process.
EPN Comments on TCE Regulation Under TSCA
On December 12, 2023, EPN submitted comments on EPA’s trichloroethylene (TCE) regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. We commended EPA’s proposal to ban all uses of TCE in commerce and offered suggestions regarding public access to information.
EPN Sends Letter to EPA Regarding EDSP Comment Period Extension
On November 28, 2023, EPN sent a letter to EPA requesting the agency extend the comment period for near-term strategies for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). This was later granted.
Chemicals in the News
EPA Goes After Plastics With Chemicals Plan
Despite Deadline Pressure, Maine Lawmakers Urged to Press Ahead on PFAS Disclosure Requirements
EPN Comments on CWA Section 402 NPDES Permitting Guidance
On December 21, 2023, EPN submitted comments on EPA’s draft guidance to implement the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund. We support the proposed guidance, which will help states better understand the necessary analysis needed to show CWA regulation of discharges through groundwater.
EPN Comments on EPA’s Revisions to the Air Emissions Reporting Requirements
On November 17, 2023, EPN submitted comments on EPA's revisions to the Air Emissions Reporting Requirements. While we applaud certain requirement revisions, we urge EPA to carefully consider the resource requirements needed for implementation.
Ronnie Levin, former EPA Senior Scientist, was quoted in STAT News about her cost-benefit analysis of the 2022 Lead and Copper Rule, completed with colleague Joel Schwartz. They found that the 2022 rule significantly underestimated the benefits of lead line replacement and were cited in EPA’s recently released Lead and Copper Rule.
John Bachmann, former Associate Director for Science/Policy and New Programs, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, was quoted in E&E News about Obama-era soot standards and how Biden’s EPA should do more to lower the current standards.
Betsy Southerland, former Director, Office of Science and Technology, EPA Office of Water, was quoted in Politico Pro about EPA’s proposed rule to remove all lead pipes in the next 10 years.
In addition to the articles above, EPN members contributed to a range of articles on topics such as coal power plant pollution, drinking water regulations, and the House of Representative’s anti-EPA agenda. John Bachmann, former Associate Director for Science Policy and New Programs at the EPA Office of Air and Radiation, was quoted in The Lancet about a recent study linking health costs to coal power plant emissions and the benefits of reducing pollution. Ronnie Levin, former EPA Senior Scientist, was quoted in Consumer Reports about the strides in regulating drinking water, but how there is still much-needed regulation to provide protection from contaminants. Michelle Roos was quoted in this article about new House leadership’s anti-EPA agenda and the negative impacts it would have on the environment and human health.
Coal Power Plant Pollution Linked to Deaths in the USA
CR’s Guide to Better, Safer Drinking Water
New Speaker, Same Shenanigans
Read all recent EPN in the News items here.
