Former Chemical Lobbyist Takes Charge of EPA's New Chemical Approvals

The Environmental Protection Agency's new position held by Lynn Dekleva has raised concerns as she previously led an aggressive lobbying force to counter regulations on formaldehyde—a chemical linked to cancer and respiratory issues. Dekleva's ties to the chemicals industry may influence current safety review processes and regulations at the agency.

In a concerning turn of events, Lynn Dekleva, a former lobbyist for the American Chemistry Council, has stepped into a significant role at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), overseeing the approval of new chemicals. The EPA has been working to regulate formaldehyde since 2021 due to its links with cancer and severe respiratory illnesses, yet the chemicals industry has mounted a fierce opposition, led previously by Dekleva herself.

Formaldehyde—a chemical frequently used in the production of furniture and clothing—has garnered attention due to its harmful health effects. Upon joining the EPA, Dr. Dekleva inherited a crucial portfolio; she now manages the office authorized to greenlight new chemical substances for public use. Prior to this role, she dedicated 32 years to DuPont, a key player in the chemical sector, before moving to the EPA under the Trump administration.

The American Chemistry Council, Dekleva's last employer, has emphasized the need to overturn the EPA’s strict approach to formaldehyde regulation. They prioritize abolishing existing risk assessment programs and have urged the EPA to conduct a complete reassessment of formaldehyde’s dangers. Furthermore, they advocate for expedited reviews of new chemicals—a process central to Dekleva's current responsibilities.

In a similar vein, another former lobbyist from the Council, Nancy Beck, collaborates with Dekleva at the EPA, focusing on the regulation of existing chemicals. In a Senate hearing early in the Trump administration, Chris Jahn, the Council’s president, proclaimed that eliminating "unnecessary regulation" in the chemical industry was paramount for achieving a "healthy, secure, and economically vibrant nation."

As the EPA continues to navigate its roles in chemical safety amidst these lobbying influences, the implications of Dekleva's appointment remain to be seen—especially in light of ongoing debates concerning environmental and public health protections.