The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) faced a significant shift in policy approach as Lynn Dekleva transitioned from being a lobbyist for the American Chemistry Council to a senior position within the agency. Known for her efforts to resist regulations on formaldehyde, a chemical notorious for its carcinogenic properties, Dekleva now oversees a crucial office that has the power to approve new chemicals for market use.
In 2021, the E.P.A. initiated a campaign to tighten regulations on formaldehyde due to its potential health risks, including cancer and severe respiratory issues. However, the chemical industry pushed back vigorously against these proposed regulations, leading to a fierce lobbying effort led by Dekleva and her former colleagues. The American Chemistry Council, where Dekleva was previously employed, has made it a priority to counter the E.P.A.'s formaldehyde assessments and is advocating for the repeal of programs that evaluate chemical safety.
Notably, Dekleva's new role involves overseeing the E.P.A.'s approval processes for new chemicals, a function that has raised eyebrows given her past advocacy against stringent regulations. Complementing her presence at the E.P.A. is Nancy Beck, another former lobbyist for the council, who shares a similar role, indicating a trend toward diminishing regulatory scrutiny over chemical safety. The council's president has previously voiced aims to reduce what they term “unnecessary” regulations, arguing that a thriving economy relies heavily on the chemical industry.
The juxtaposition of industry players within regulatory roles has ignited discussions on the integrity of public health assessments and the implications of industry influence on government policy. The evolving landscape at the E.P.A. is now under scrutiny as stakeholders watch closely how these changes will shape chemical safety and public health in the United States.
In 2021, the E.P.A. initiated a campaign to tighten regulations on formaldehyde due to its potential health risks, including cancer and severe respiratory issues. However, the chemical industry pushed back vigorously against these proposed regulations, leading to a fierce lobbying effort led by Dekleva and her former colleagues. The American Chemistry Council, where Dekleva was previously employed, has made it a priority to counter the E.P.A.'s formaldehyde assessments and is advocating for the repeal of programs that evaluate chemical safety.
Notably, Dekleva's new role involves overseeing the E.P.A.'s approval processes for new chemicals, a function that has raised eyebrows given her past advocacy against stringent regulations. Complementing her presence at the E.P.A. is Nancy Beck, another former lobbyist for the council, who shares a similar role, indicating a trend toward diminishing regulatory scrutiny over chemical safety. The council's president has previously voiced aims to reduce what they term “unnecessary” regulations, arguing that a thriving economy relies heavily on the chemical industry.
The juxtaposition of industry players within regulatory roles has ignited discussions on the integrity of public health assessments and the implications of industry influence on government policy. The evolving landscape at the E.P.A. is now under scrutiny as stakeholders watch closely how these changes will shape chemical safety and public health in the United States.
