In brief
The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) is welcoming back Nancy Beck and Lynn Ann Dekleva—both known for their opposition to stricter chemical regulations—raising alarms about potential corporate influence over safety policies.
In a notable shift within the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), two former officials with strong ties to the chemical industry have been tapped for significant roles in overseeing chemical regulations. Nancy B. Beck, a toxicologist and ex-executive of the American Chemistry Council, is returning to a position similar to the one she held during the Trump administration from 2017 to 2021, where she was instrumental in opposing stronger regulations on chemicals. Concerns arise as Beck's prior tenure included efforts that were deemed to put corporate interests ahead of public health, particularly in the wake of internal investigations that highlighted political meddling in scientific assessments and regulatory practices. As a major advocate during her previous term, she has been credited with moderating or blocking proposed restrictions on hazardous chemicals, including "forever chemicals," which are linked to health risks such as cancer, and substances like asbestos.Joining her is Lynn Ann Dekleva, who brings over 30 years of experience from DuPont and has also worked for the American Chemistry Council. Dekleva has been named to assist in overseeing new chemicals at the E.P.A. Both women’s appointments signal a potential shift in the agency’s direction, raising alarms among environmental advocates about the influence of corporate interests in shaping chemical safety standards.Neither the E.P.A. nor the individuals covered in this article have provided comments regarding the new appointments. With skepticism already abounding about the integrity of chemical policy under their guidance, many voices within the environmental sector are cautiously observing these developments, wary of unresolved regulatory challenges key to public safety.
