Nancy Beck and Lynn Ann Dekleva, former officials from the American Chemistry Council, are set to take on influential positions at the EPA, stirring apprehensions regarding potential corporate influences on chemical safety regulations.
Corporate Figures Return to Key Roles at EPA, Raising Regulation Concerns
Corporate Figures Return to Key Roles at EPA, Raising Regulation Concerns
Nancy Beck and Lynn Ann Dekleva, both ex-officials with ties to the chemical industry, return to oversee EPA chemical regulations amid fears of industry influence.
A former executive from the chemical industry who previously opposed stringent regulations during the first Trump administration is slated to resume significant roles at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sparking fears over corporate sway in chemical safety standards.
Nancy B. Beck, a toxicologist and former executive at the American Chemistry Council, is expected to rejoin the EPA in a position that resembles her past responsibilities from 2017 to 2021, albeit with her specific title and duties yet to be clarified. The American Chemistry Council serves as the trade association for many chemical manufacturers.
During her prior tenure under the Trump administration, Dr. Beck was instrumental in pushing back against tighter chemical regulations, which included an internal investigation alleging political meddling in the agency's scientific and policy processes. She revised regulations that complicated the assessment of health impacts tied to 'forever chemicals' associated with cancer, making it increasingly difficult to impose restrictions on these substances.
Dr. Beck also played a crucial role in reducing proposals aimed at banning hazardous materials like asbestos and methylene chloride, which is commonly found in paint thinners. Attempts to reach Dr. Beck or the EPA for comments on her return proved unsuccessful.
In addition to Beck, Lynn Ann Dekleva, who also has a history with the American Chemistry Council, is anticipated to step into a role that involves overseeing new chemical policies as a deputy assistant administrator, though her title may evolve. Dekleva brings over thirty years of experience from her tenure at DuPont, a prominent chemicals corporation.
The return of these industry figures to the EPA raises vital questions about the integrity of regulatory processes and the potential for corporate interests to unduly influence environmental safety standards.
