EDC Policy Updates

President-elect Trump’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services won’t give him direct control over water fluoridation policies, though his influence could sway public and local debates. Miranda Willson reports for E&E News.

The signatories of this declaration are independent scientists with expertise on plastics, and who are free of conflicts of interest associated with the life cycle of plastics. Read it here and sign it here. Due Nov. 22, 2024.

In a new statement, the EDC-Free Europe coalition outlines key actions needed to ensure the EU regulatory framework reflects the latest science and tackles the urgent need to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—EDC exposure.

The Biden administration has withdrawn support for mandatory caps on plastic production in upcoming United Nations plastics treaty negotiations, opting instead for a “flexible” approach allowing voluntary national targets. Joseph Winters reports for Grist.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken critic of corporate influence in health and environmental policy, as Secretary of Health and Human Services. What could it mean for public health? Daniel Payne, Chelsea Cirruzzo, Marcia Brown, Brittany Gibson and Annie Snider report for Politico.

The FDA’s outgoing head, Robert Califf, warned that major changes under President-elect Donald Trump and his plans to assign vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to oversee public health policy could undermine the agency’s stability. Richard Luscombe reports for The Guardian.

The EU’s REACH regulation, designed to manage chemical substances and protect public health, faces criticism for slow processes and heavy industry reliance, spurring calls for reform. Johanna Berneron writes for The Conversation.

The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission is holding a hearing to discuss banning PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in fracking operations amid concerns about potential water contamination and lack of chemical disclosure by oil and gas companies. Hannah Grover reports for New Mexico Political Report.

As President-elect Trump’s choice for Environmental Protection Agency administrator, former Representative Lee Zeldin faces scrutiny over his mixed record on environmental issues and limited experience in climate policy. Nicholas Fandos and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.

As Donald Trump readies for a second term, staff at the Environmental Protection Agency fear his administration will significantly cut pollution protections, dismantling progress made under Biden. Oliver Milman and Tom Perkins report for The Guardian.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent call to remove fluoride from U.S. drinking water is drawing renewed debate, as studies suggest potential neurodevelopmental risks to prenatal exposure. Leana S. Wen writes for The Washington Post.

President-elect Trump has chosen Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman with a conservative track record on environmental issues, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency as Trump moves to dismantle climate regulations. Coral Davenport and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.

Donald Trump’s reelection raises alarm in the scientific community, with fears his administration may once again disrupt environmental regulations and scientific integrity. Joel Achenbach, Mark Johnson, and Carolyn Y. Johnson report for The Washington Post.

Maine has taken proactive steps against toxic PFAS chemicals in food and water, but residents in many states still lack similar protections. Marina Schauffler writes for Maine Morning Star and ContamiNation.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for office, his administration is expected to pursue measures to significantly reduce the Environmental Protection Agency’s workforce, reversing gains made under President Biden. Kevin Bogardus reports for E&E News.

Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election on Wednesday and while his campaign largely focused on isolationism, immigration, crime and inflation, his previous record in the White House suggests ramped up domestic fossil fuels production, weakening of laws meant to curb pollution and an overhaul of environmental and health agencies. On the international stage, a Trump presidency could significantly weaken U.S. support for cutting plastic production via the global plastic treaty. He has made clear his support for the fossil fuel industry, reducing greenhouse gas regulations on power plants and cars in his first term. The fossil fuel industry is the major driving force in defeating or deflecting plastic bans and production caps.

The Biden administration’s clean water policies, including wetland and PFAS regulations, are likely to face significant changes under President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to prioritize state control over water protection. Bobby Magill reports for Bloomberg Law.

Countries gathering in Busan, South Korea, this month aim to finalize a treaty to reduce global plastic pollution amid deep divisions over issues such as production cuts and funding. Emma Bryce reports for Dialogue Earth.

The U.S. has shifted from supporting voluntary plastics regulation to backing global limits on production, a change that may influence other major producers ahead of the U.N. plastic pollution treaty summit later this month. Charles Pekow reports for Mongabay.

With Trump poised to retake the White House, U.S. support for cutting plastic production could shift sharply, threatening efforts for a robust treaty at the upcoming South Korea negotiations. Jordan Wolman and Leonie Cater report for Politico.