‘Explosive Growth’ in Petrochemical Production Poses Risks to Human Health

March 6, 2024 / by

Carey Gillam /

The Guardian

Tracey Woodruff, former EPA senior scientist and policy advisor in the Office of Policy, was quoted in The Guardian about the links of petrochemical production to diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, neurodevelopmental issues, and certain cancers, and suggests more chemical testing, exposure tracking, and single-chemical and single-use plastics bans.

Baring Teeth: The Long Battle Over Fluoride Comes to a Head

March 6, 2024 / by

Michael Schulson /

Undark

Linda Birnbaum, former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP), was quoted in Undark about the association of fluoridation with potential neuro deficits and the hurdles of publishing this data to the public.

This Will Be a Big Year in Shaping the Future of Chemical Recycling

March 4, 2024 / by

Ben Seal /

Environmental Health News

Judith Enck, former EPA Regional Administrator, Region 2, was quoted in Environmental Health News about chemical recycling plants proposed across the country and how state laws allow these facilities to evade environmental oversight and be recognized as manufacturing plants.

Are You Putting PFAS in your Armpits?

February 28, 2024 / by

EHN Editors /

Environmental Health News

Linda Birnbaum, former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, was quoted in Environmental Health News about a new report released by Mamavation that found evidence of PFAS in six deodorants.

Misleading Ads On EPA Car Emissions Rule Ignore The Real Benefits

February 26, 2024 / by

Margo Oge /

Forbes

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.

Conservatives Gear Up for EPA Revamp in 2025

February 26, 2024 / by

Kevin Bogardus /

E&E News

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.

US EPA Strengthens PM2·5 Air Pollution Limits

February 23, 2024 / by

Bryant Furlow /

The Lancet

John Bachmann, former Formerly Associate Director for Science/Policy and New Programs EPA/OAR/OAQPS, was quoted in The Lancet about EPA strengthening fine particulate matter standards from 12 to 9 μg/m3 and the positive health and economic benefits that will accompany the new limit.

Former EPA Counsel Sees Broad Precedent From ‘Good Neighbor’ Rule Stay

February 22, 2024 / by

Dawn Reeves /

Inside EPA

Kevin Minoli, former Principal Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, was quoted in Inside EPA about the Supreme Court’s plan to stay the “Good Neighbor” Clean Air Act rule in the historic Ohio v. EPA case, and the potential precedents this case would set.

EPA Finalizes RCRA Climate Guide Seen ‘Underscoring’ Industry Practice

February 21, 2024 / by

Sarah Mattalian /

Inside EPA

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.

Inside the ‘Alternative’ Clean Car Rule Biden May Push

February 20, 2024 / by

Jean Chemnick /

E&E News

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.

EPA Conceals PFAS Health Info as Trade Secret

February 15, 2024 / by

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility /

Common Dreams

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.

States Fear Being Bilked as Funds Flow to Replace Lead Pipes

February 15, 2024 / by

Miranda Willson /

E&E News

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.

FDA’s Plan to Ban Hair Relaxer Chemical Called Too Little, Too Late

February 8, 2024 / by

Ronnie Cohen /

KFF Health News

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.

Foods We Eat Are Covered in Plastics That May Be Causing a Rise in Premature Births, Study Says

February 6, 2024 / by

Sandee LaMotte /

WSILTV

Linda Birnbaum, former EPA scientist and Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, was quoted in WSILTV about the link between phthalates, known as “everywhere chemicals,” and premature births.

Reimagine Appalachia Encourages Local Communities to Apply for Federal Grants

Feburary 6, 2024 / by

Kailey Carpino /

The Times Leader

Sierra Taliaferro, EPN Community Outreach Associate, Region 4, was quoted in The Times Leader about EPA’s Environmental and Justice Community Change Grants program and the support it will provide to community-driven projects.

Chemours’ Fight Against GenX Health Advisory Goes to Court, Holds National Ramifications

February 5, 2024 / by

Peter Castagno /

Port City Daily

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.

Inside Biden’s Climate Test for LNG

January 30, 2024 / by

Jean Chemnick /

E&E News

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.

Trump’s Presidential Push Renews Fears for US Science

January 29, 2024 / by

Jeff Tollefson /

Nature

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.

Appeals Court Casts Doubt on District Judge’s Dismissal of Local Groups’ PFAS Testing Petition

January 28, 2024 / by

Peter Castagno /

Port City Daily

Bob Sussman, an attorney for groups in North Carolina fighting against PFAS, and former EPA Deputy Administrator and Senior Policy Counsel to the Administrator, was quoted in the Port City Daily about his call to reverse a court’s dismissal of a petition for EPA to require Chemours to test 54 PFAS compounds.

‘The EPA Needs to Humble Itself’: Why Some US Non-Profits Are Turning Down Agency Funds

January 26, 2024 / by

Nick Tabor /

The Guardian

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. 

‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Hiding in Your Kitchen. Here’s Where—and What You Can Do

January 26, 2024 / by

Joel Mathis /

National Geographic

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.

What’s a WOTUS? First-of-its-kind Tool Offers Clues.

January 26, 2023 / by

Miranda Willson /

Politico Pro

Betsy Southerland, former Director, Office of Science & Technology in the Office of Water, was quoted in Politico Pro about a new model created by UC Berkeley to predict which surface waters and wetlands have been federally regulated under recent CWA cases.

Catawba College Panel Urges Citizens to Get Informed and Involved in Water Protection Process

January 25, 2024 / by

Robert Sullivan /

Salisbury Post

Stan Meiburg, former EPA Deputy Regional Administrator in Region 4 and Region 6 and Acting EPA Deputy Administrator, was quoted in the Salisbury Post from a panel discussion regarding the effects that environmental legislation has on waterways in North Carolina and beyond.

Does Sackett Clip EPA’s Wings on Permits, Water Rules?

January 19, 2024 / by

Miranda Willson /

E&E News

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.