EPN In Action March-April 2026
Welcome to your EPN In Action Newsletter
NATIONAL POLICY HIGHLIGHTS
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The Environmental Protection Network and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) submitted comments providing feedback on candidates currently under consideration for membership on EPA’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC).
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Michelle Montoya, Policy Director at the Environmental Protection Network, presented oral testimony at an EPA public hearing about the agency’s proposal to weaken ethylene oxide emission standards.
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EPN and L4GG submitted formal comments about the General Services Administration’s proposed anti-diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility certifications.
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Marc Boom, Senior Director for Public Affairs at EPN, presented oral testimony opposing EPA’s proposal to roll back key safety protections under the Risk Management Program.
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EPN submitted formal comments to EPA on the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for Perchlorate.
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EPN submitted comments to EPA about its proposed approval of certain state plans under the 2015 ozone standard.
OTHER UPDATES
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Alumni Network, housed under EPN, issued its first official report, “Innovation Interrupted,” which details the events leading up to DOE’s announcement of the termination of 321 energy projects worth $7.5 billion in federal funding and DOE “ghosting” thousands of its awardees. The DOE Alumni Network also published a series of analysis pieces on Substack.
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During March and April, EPN connected 70 unique volunteers to over 190 requests for technical assistance from frontline communities, nonprofit organizations, under-resourced government agencies, and others.
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EPN launched the EPN Environmental Science Impact Fellowship, which will support recently separated EPA scientists and/or engineers in continuing the valuable research they were doing while at EPA. The first cadre of fellows will start in early July.
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EPN also continued to support current and recently separated EPA staff with resources and programming, including a newly revamped job board, helpful links and FAQs, and connections to EPA alumni for additional support.
EPN’s Work on Science
Science in the News
The True Dangers of Microplastics with Judith Enck
Judith Enck, former EPA Regional Administrator for Region 2, spoke with The goop Podcast about the misinformation surrounding microplastics and their effect on humans and the environment.
Severe Exposure to ‘Forever Chemicals’ During Pregnancy Could Lead to Childhood Asthma
Tracey Woodruff, former Senior Scientist and Policy Advisor in EPA’s Office of Policy, spoke with Inside Climate News about the Trump EPA’s efforts to remove science and research at the agency.
EPA rollbacks threaten public health
Betsy Southerland, former Director of Science and Technology in EPA’s Office of Water, wrote a letter to the editor in The Washington Post about the importance of reducing environmental exposures to toxic chemicals.
EPN’s Work on Air
Michelle Montoya, Policy Director at Environmental Protection Network, had her testimony about EPA’s proposal to weaken ethylene oxide emission standards featured in Inside EPA. Janet McCabe, former EPA Deputy Administrator, spoke with Public News Service about the EPA’s proposal to loosen emission rules for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization facilities. Joe Goffman, former Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, spoke with Forest and the Trees with Melinda Tuhus about the implications of EPA rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding.
EPN Testimony on EPA’s Proposal on Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration
On April 1, 2026, Michelle Montoya, Policy Director at the Environmental Protection Network, gave testimony at an EPA public hearing about the agency's proposal to weaken ethylene oxide emission standards. She warned that EPA disregarded established science and legal mandates, arguing the move increases cancer risks for thousands of people living near sterilization facilities.
EPN Comments on Proposed Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Approvals and Promulgations: Interstate Transport Plan Review for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS
On March 2, 2026, EPN submitted comments to EPA about its proposed approval of certain state plans under the 2015 ozone standard. EPN raised concerns that the action weakens interstate air pollution protections, relies on outdated modeling, increases health risks in downwind states, and lacks a clear, comprehensive transport strategy.
Air in the News
Environmentalists Say EPA’s Sterilizer Plan Lacks Lawful, Scientific Basis
EPA aims to loosen rules on cancer-causing ethylene oxide
Former EPA official Joe Goffman on the public health impacts of killing the “endangerment finding”
EPN’s Work on Water
Adam Ortiz, former Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator at EPA, spoke with The New York Times about the bacterial contamination in the Potomac after a sewage spill in January. Betsy Southerland, former Director of Science and Technology in EPA’s Office of Water, spoke with NBC News about the EPA’s consideration of adding microplastics to their list of regulated drinking water contaminants. MyrtleBeachSC News featured research by the Environmental Protection Network about EPA grant cancellations.
A Huge Sewage Spill Is Over, but Contamination Lingers in the Potomac
EPA takes first step to regulate microplastics in drinking water
Forever Chemicals In Your Water: PFAS, Cancer, And What Horry County Residents Are Drinking
EPN’s Work on Environmental Justice
EPN Testimony on EPA’s Proposal, Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention
On March 10, 2026, Marc Boom, Senior Director of Public Affairs at EPN, gave testimony opposing EPA’s proposal to roll back key safety protections under the Risk Management Program, warning that weakening these safeguards would increase risks to workers, first responders, and the millions of Americans living near chemical facilities. The testimony urges EPA to maintain the stronger accident prevention requirements adopted in 2024.
EPN and L4GG Joint Comments on Information Collection; System for Award Management Registration Requirements for Financial Assistance Recipients
On March 30, 2026, the Environmental Protection Network and Lawyers for Good Government submitted formal comments about the General Services Administration's proposed anti-Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) certifications. They argue the requirements lack authority, violate the First Amendment, misinterpret civil rights law, and will harm federal funding recipients.
More EPN In the News
EPN volunteers were quoted in additional articles about Superfund impacts on communities and the ramifications of EPA’s 2027 budget. Jim Woolford, former Director of EPA’s Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, spoke with Flatwater Free Press about the impact Superfund Sites have on local residents. Peter Murchie, Senior Director of Policy at EPN, spoke with Inside Climate News about the impact budget and staffing cuts are having on EPA’s work. Michelle Roos, Executive Director of EPN, was quoted in an article for The Hill about the Trump administration’s new budget proposal.
Omaha Is Home to a Massive Superfund Site. Most Kids Living There Aren’t Tested for Lead.
Chemical Threats Nearby? Trump’s EPA Doesn’t Want You to Know.
Trump’s budget puts war first, and Americans last