New EPA Appointee Faces Controversy Over Chemical Approvals

Lynn Dekleva, a former lobbyist for the chemical industry now overseeing chemical approvals at the EPA, is generating controversy due to her background in fighting against regulations on hazardous substances like formaldehyde. Critics worry that her influence could undermine safety standards designed to protect public health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is once again under scrutiny as it grapples with new leadership and its implications for chemical safety regulations. Lynn Dekleva, who recently transitioned from lobbyist for the American Chemistry Council to a senior role at the EPA, now holds the significant responsibility of running the office that approves new chemicals for consumer use.

Formaldehyde, a chemical often utilized in household products like furniture and clothing, has come under fire for its links to cancer and respiratory issues. In an attempt to mitigate its risks, the EPA announced its intention to tighten regulations in 2021, igniting fierce opposition from the chemicals industry, led by Dekleva at the time.

With a robust background of 32 years at Dupont and serving as a lobbyist for the chemical sector, Dekleva now stands at a critical junction. The American Chemistry Council, her previous employer, is actively campaigning to reverse regulations on formaldehyde and is lobbying to overhaul the EPA’s chemical approval processes and safety review mechanisms.

The ramifications of her appointment extend further, as she is joined by another former lobbyist from the same industry, Nancy Beck, who is now engaged in supervising the regulation of existing chemicals. Critics have voiced concerns that the existing leadership would prioritize industry interests over public safety, with some arguing the council's goals under the Trump administration emphasized reducing regulatory oversight.

During a Senate hearing, Chris Jahn, the council’s president, affirmed their mission to eliminate what they term “unnecessary regulation,” emphasizing the essential role of chemistry in a healthy, secure, and economically vibrant society. As the new EPA regime unfolds, the implications of these shifts in chemical oversight remain a contentious topic among environmental advocates and public health officials alike.