EDC Policy Updates

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent move to weaken air pollution and emissions standards could lead to more respiratory illnesses and premature deaths, health experts say. Keerti Gopal reports for Inside Climate News.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has delayed implementation of a landmark plastic reduction law, SB 54, after industry groups raised concerns, leaving environmental advocates questioning his motives. Joseph Winters reports for Grist.

Editor’s note: This op-ed was written by a group of current and former employees of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who have asked to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation. The Trump administration is making accusations of fraud, waste, and abuse associated with federal environmental justice programs under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as justification for firing federal workers and defunding critical environmental programs. But the real waste, fraud, and abuse would be to strip away these funds from the American people.

Connecticut legislators are once again debating a bill that would ban single-use plastic and polystyrene containers in restaurants, schools, and public buildings starting in 2026, with businesses warning of higher costs and limited alternatives. John Moritz reports for CT Mirror.

Chicago is exploring new ways to manage PFAS contamination as local officials push for stricter regulations to prevent the toxic chemicals from entering the water supply. Kacie Faith Kress reports for Inside Climate News.

Maine legislators are considering bills that would exempt nonstick cookware and certain farm equipment from the state’s ban on intentionally added PFAS, drawing pushback from public health advocates. AnnMarie Hilton reports for the Maine Morning Star.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning to eliminate its Office of Research and Development, slashing over 1,000 science jobs and gutting the agency’s ability to conduct independent research on pollution, toxic chemicals, and climate change. Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.

President Trump has pledged to tackle toxic chemicals, but his administration is rolling back regulations that limit industrial pollution and chemical exposure. Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill.

A North Carolina water quality rule aimed at monitoring and minimizing PFAS discharges was largely crafted from input by a utility association, leaving environmental advocates concerned about its effectiveness. Trista Talton reports for Coastal Review.

North Carolina is advancing a rule that would require factories to monitor PFAS pollution in waterways but imposes no penalties, raising concerns about industry influence and public health risks. Liz McLaughlin reports for WRAL News.

Republican legislators and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers have introduced rival proposals to address PFAS contamination in Wisconsin, with differences in funding, landowner protections, and cleanup responsibilities. Laura Schulte reports for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The Trump administration is launching a sweeping effort to roll back decades of environmental regulations, targeting air quality standards and emissions rules, as well as climate policies that have governed U.S. industries. Miranda Willson, Sean Reilly, Robin Bravender, and Mike Lee report for E&E News.

New Mexico regulators have banned the use of PFAS in fracking, but environmental advocates argue the lack of full chemical disclosure weakens enforcement and leaves communities at risk. Alaina Mencinger reports for The Santa Fe New Mexican.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration relies on food companies to self-regulate additives, allowing thousands of chemicals — some banned in Europe — to remain hidden in everyday products, raising concerns about long-term health risks. David Hilzenrath reports for KFF Health News.

France’s recent ban on PFAS in select consumer goods, including cosmetics and textiles, leaves major sources of contamination untouched and may delay stronger regulations. ChemSec reports.

The White House is stripping the Council on Environmental Quality of its authority to oversee the National Environmental Policy Act, leaving federal agencies to develop their own rules for evaluating infrastructure projects. Naveena Sadasivam reports for Grist.

The Trump administration is pulling back on Biden-era rules that required chemical facilities to adopt stronger safety measures against disasters. Hiroko Tabuchi reports for The New York Times.

The Canadian government is adding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to its list of toxic substances, a move that could lead to restrictions on the chemicals, which have been linked to cancer and other health risks. Inayat Singh reports for CBC.

A proposed Tennessee bill would restrict state agencies from enacting regulations on hazardous chemicals, including PFAS, unless lawmakers prove the rules are based on “sound science.” Cassandra Stephenson reports for Tennessee Lookout.

Legislation in Congress threatens to gut the EPA’s ability to regulate toxic chemicals by banning the use of assessments from its IRIS program, a move environmental advocates warn could cripple public health protections. Sharon Lerner reports for ProPublica.