Trump officials accused of stacking top chemical safety board with industry ‘mouthpieces’
Summary
The Trump administration appointed many scientists with ties to the chemical industry to an important EPA committee that reviews chemical safety. Public health groups say these appointments create conflicts of interest and could favor industry profits over protecting public health.Key Facts
- The EPA’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) reviews research on toxic chemicals to guide regulation.
- At least 13 Trump-appointed members have financial ties to chemical companies that make or release the chemicals under review.
- These ties may break federal rules that require the committee to be impartial and free of conflicts of interest.
- Wade Barranco, an appointee, works for a chemical company linked to releasing nearly 1 million pounds of review-affected chemicals in 2024.
- Critics say the new committee will mostly support industry views and approve weak science.
- Michael Dourson, another nominee, has a history of backing industry positions and previously failed a Senate confirmation for a top EPA role.
- Public health groups analyzed EPA data to link committee members to companies that benefit from deregulation efforts.
- The committee helps set rules on toxic chemicals, influencing national health and safety protections.
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