EPA Regains Control over Chemical Assessments
May 21, 2009 by Matthew Madia
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it would take back the reins of its program for assessing the risks of industrial chemicals after the process had become corrupted by political forces.
read in fullOn Bisphenol-A Policy, the Lobbyists Are in Charge
May 18, 2009 by Matthew Madia
When it comes to bisphenol-A (BPA), a ubiquitous and likely dangerous chemical found in hard plastic products like water bottles, there seems to be three repeating story lines: state and local governments continue to take action, new studies continue to prove frightening, and evidence continues to surface showing that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no interest in protecting American consumers.
read in fullOMB Watch Calls on Obama Administration to Improve Scientific Integrity
May 13, 2009 by Matthew Madia
On May 13, OMB Watch submitted to the White House recommendations for improving scientific integrity in the federal government. From the comments:
read in fullObama Administration to Withdraw Bush Rule on Endangered Species
Apr 28, 2009 by Matthew Madia
The Obama administration will withdraw a Bush-era regulation designed to undermine the Endangered Species Act, specifically, the role of science in protecting species. The departments of Commerce and the Interior, the agencies responsible for issuing the regulation in December 2008, announced the withdrawal today in a press release.
read in fullWhite House Accepting Comments on Scientific Integrity
Apr 23, 2009 by Matthew Madia
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced today that it is seeking public input on ways to restore scientific integrity in the federal government. In March, President Obama asked OSTP to come up with recommendations on a variety of issues situated at the nexus of science and politics.
read in fullEPA to Begin Work on Hormone Disrupting Chemicals
Apr 16, 2009 by Matthew Madia
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will finally begin to test the health effects of certain pesticide chemicals suspected of disrupting human or animal endocrine systems.
read in fullOMB Approves EPA Finding on Greenhouse Gases
Apr 14, 2009 by Matthew Madia
The White House Office of Management and Budget has approved the Environmental Protection Agency’s determination that greenhouse gas emissions threaten the public. (Thanks to Frank O’Donnell at Clean Air Watch for finding this earlier today; he surmises EPA could officially announce the so-called endangerment finding this week or on Earth Day, April 22.)
read in fullToxic Communities Shafted by Health Agency, Report Shows
Mar 11, 2009 by Matthew Madia
A federal agency responsible for studying and responding to adverse health effects caused by toxic waste is reticent to acknowledge patterns of illness near contaminated sites, according to a report released by the House Science Committee subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight.
read in fullObama Calls for Improved Scientific Integrity
Mar 10, 2009 by Matthew Madia
Yesterday, President Barack Obama issued a memo aimed at restoring scientific integrity in the federal government. Many agencies, especially those charged with protecting the environment, workers, and public health and safety, rely heavily on scientific studies and conclusions. If the science is compromised, the corollary decision may be compromised as well.
read in fullFDA Falls Further Behind on Plastics Chemical
Mar 6, 2009 by Matthew Madia
It seems as though just about everyone is taking action to limit the use of the ubiquitous chemical bisphenol-A – that is, everyone but the FDA. BPA is a compound used in hard plastics and the lining of food cans that has been linked to developmental disorders. Over the past year or so, the media has been reporting regularly on the scientific studies documenting the risks associated with BPA as well as growing consumer concern over its safety, especially for kids.
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