Chemicals & Pesticides

EPA is tasked with protecting the American public from the dangers of toxic chemicals and pesticides by evaluating new and existing chemicals and their risks, and researching and registering pesticide use. EPN volunteers are scientists, lawyers, and policy experts who know that there are emerging contaminants, forever chemicals, and significant work to be done.

August 18, 2026

Virtual Testimony on Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids

An EPN volunteer called on EPA to move beyond voluntary guidance and pursue stronger, enforceable protections from PFAS-contaminated biosolids. (August 18, 2026) [Read more]

Chemicals & Pesticides

August 17, 2026

EPN Comments on the 4,4′-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2,6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA) Risk Evaluation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

EPN urged EPA not to advance its TBBPA risk evaluation until key independent scientific peer review is complete. (August 17, 2026) [Read more]

Chemicals & Pesticides

July 20, 2026

EPN Comments on Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)

EPN urged EPA to retain drinking water protections for four PFAS and keep safeguards grounded in the best available science. (July 20, 2026) [Read more]

Toxic Substances

July 20, 2026

EPN Comments on Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels

A proposed two-year delay would postpone compliance with federal drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS, EPN warned. (July 20, 2026) [Read more]

Toxic Substances

June 25, 2026

Supreme Court Sides With Chemical Giant, Weakens Public’s Ability to Demand Warnings on Pesticide Harms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2026 CONTACT: Aaron Bharucha, Public Relations Associate (509) 429-1699 and epn-press@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org Supreme Court Sides With Chemical Giant, Weakens Public’s Ability…

Press Release Press Statements

June 14, 2026

EPN Comments on the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission’s PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane Minimization and Monitoring Proposed Rules

On June 14, 2026, EPN submitted formal comments on North Carolina’s proposed PFAS and 1,4-dioxane rules. [Read more]

National Policy Efforts Toxic Substances

May 18, 2026

EPA’s PFAS Promises Undermined by Safeguard Delays & Rollbacks, Along with Weakened Scientific Capacity, Still Leaves Millions Exposed to Dangerous “Forever Chemicals”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2026 CONTACT: Aaron Bharucha, Public Relations Associate (509) 429-1699 and epn-press@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org EPA’s PFAS Promises Undermined by Safeguard Delays & Rollbacks,…

Chemicals & Pesticides Press Release

April 21, 2026

EPN and UCS Comments on the List of Candidates for EPA’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC)

On April 21, 2026, EPN submitted comments providing feedback on candidates currently under consideration for membership on EPA's Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals. [Read more]

Chemicals & Pesticides National Policy Efforts

April 1, 2026

Amicus Brief in Monsanto v. Durnell

EPN signed onto this amicus brief to support respondents in Monsanto v. Durnell, a Supreme Court case that looks at citizens’ right to bring suits…

Chemicals & Pesticides Litigation Support

August 27, 2026

A Hard-Won Rule to Cut Chemical Plant Pollution Is Being Unraveled

Joe Goffman, former Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, spoke with Yale Environment 360 about the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the…

In The News via Yale 360

August 24, 2026

Held Responsible

Judith Enck, former EPA Regional Administrator for Region 2, spoke with The East Hampton Press about New York’s attorney general showing that PFAS were a known contaminant.

In The News via The East Hampton Press

August 22, 2026

Menstrual pads and tampons can contain toxic substances – here’s what to know about this emerging health issue

Linda Birnbaum, former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, spoke with Voice of Alexandria about the health risks posed by toxic substances…

In The News via Voice of Alexandria

August 19, 2026

Ruling Backing CERCLA PFAS Rule Could Drive Host Of New Mandates

Walter Mugdan, former EPA Region 2 Deputy Regional Administrator and Superfund Director, spoke with Inside EPA about the D.C. Circuit ruling upholding EPA’s designation of…

In The News via Inside EPA

August 18, 2026

EPA Wants Your Input on Forever Chemicals Plan

Betsy Southerland, former Director of Science and Technology in EPA’s Office of Water, spoke with Fox 5 DC about EPA’s announcement that they will not regulate…

In The News via Fox 5 DC

August 11, 2026

More Than Half of Tested Omaha Superfund Yards Exceed a Child Safety Lead Level

Jim Woolford, former Director of EPA’s Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, spoke with Medical Daily about lead contamination in Omaha soil and efforts…

In The News via Medical Daily

August 6, 2026

Proposed plastics plant raises local concerns

Tracey Woodruff, former senior scientist and policy advisor in EPA’s Office of Policy, spoke with Athens Independent about concerns surrounding a proposed plastics plant in…

In The News via Athens County Independent

August 3, 2026

The Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers

Tracey Woodruff, former senior scientist and policy advisor in EPA’s Office of Policy, spoke with The New York Times about baby bottle sterilizers and reducing infants’…

In The News via Wirecutter | The New York Times

July 26, 2026

Why Are These Toys So Hard to Get a Hold Of?

Tracey Woodruff, former senior scientist and policy advisor in EPA’s Office of Policy, spoke with The New York Times about the popularity of squishy fidget…

In The News via The New York Times