Lynn Dekleva, previously a lobbyist for the American Chemistry Council, now heads a department at the E.P.A. overseeing chemical approvals. Her history with the industry, particularly surrounding the regulation of formaldehyde, has ignited debate over potential conflicts of interest and the agency's safety protocols.
Former Chemical Lobbyist's New Role at E.P.A. Sparks Controversy Over Regulatory Policies
Former Chemical Lobbyist's New Role at E.P.A. Sparks Controversy Over Regulatory Policies
Lynn Dekleva, a former lobbyist for the chemical industry, now leads a critical office at the E.P.A., raising questions about her influence on chemical safety regulations.
The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) is currently at the center of a growing debate as Lynn Dekleva, a former industry lobbyist, assumes a prominent role at the agency responsible for overseeing new chemical approvals. The controversy stems from her prior involvement with the American Chemistry Council, where she led efforts to block stringent regulations on formaldehyde—a chemical known for its link to cancer and respiratory issues.
In 2021, the E.P.A. started initiatives aimed at tightening regulations on formaldehyde, but the chemical industry, led by Dekleva, mounted a robust opposition campaign. This initiative, which aims to reassess the chemical's safety, has encountered significant resistance, prompting skepticism regarding whether Dekleva will promote or hinder consumer protection.
Dekleva’s extensive background, which includes a 32-year tenure at Dupont before transitioning to the E.P.A. during the Trump administration, has raised eyebrows among environmental advocates. Currently, she manages an office with the critical responsibility of approving new chemicals, directly impacting public health and environmental safety.
Both Dekleva and the American Chemistry Council have pushed for changes to the E.P.A.’s approval processes, arguing that existing regulations are overly burdensome and impede economic growth. Chris Jahn, the council's president, emphasized the belief that reduced regulation is vital for a thriving economy, suggesting a focus on “unnecessary regulation” of chemicals in the United States.
In conjunction with Dekleva, another former lobbyist from the council, Nancy Beck, also holds a regulatory position at the E.P.A., further complicating perceptions of the agency’s impartiality. As the E.P.A. navigates its regulatory pathways, Dekleva's influence and the agency's direction regarding chemical safety will be closely monitored by both industry proponents and public safety advocates alike.
In 2021, the E.P.A. started initiatives aimed at tightening regulations on formaldehyde, but the chemical industry, led by Dekleva, mounted a robust opposition campaign. This initiative, which aims to reassess the chemical's safety, has encountered significant resistance, prompting skepticism regarding whether Dekleva will promote or hinder consumer protection.
Dekleva’s extensive background, which includes a 32-year tenure at Dupont before transitioning to the E.P.A. during the Trump administration, has raised eyebrows among environmental advocates. Currently, she manages an office with the critical responsibility of approving new chemicals, directly impacting public health and environmental safety.
Both Dekleva and the American Chemistry Council have pushed for changes to the E.P.A.’s approval processes, arguing that existing regulations are overly burdensome and impede economic growth. Chris Jahn, the council's president, emphasized the belief that reduced regulation is vital for a thriving economy, suggesting a focus on “unnecessary regulation” of chemicals in the United States.
In conjunction with Dekleva, another former lobbyist from the council, Nancy Beck, also holds a regulatory position at the E.P.A., further complicating perceptions of the agency’s impartiality. As the E.P.A. navigates its regulatory pathways, Dekleva's influence and the agency's direction regarding chemical safety will be closely monitored by both industry proponents and public safety advocates alike.
