EPA employees claim changes in assessments that downplayed chemical risks

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Four employees of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allege that officials in the agency’s office of chemicals have changed safety assessments in a way that minimizes the risks posed by these substances.

In a request for an investigation to the EPA’s internal oversight body made public late last week by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) group, the four scientists alleged that they had suffered from many instances where their risk assessments had been changed.

They argued that these changes included removing language identifying potentially negative impacts and major revisions that modify the conclusions to indicate that there are no toxicity issues despite data to the contrary.

The request highlights specific cases, alleging that in an incident dose considered safe for a certain chemical has been multiplied by almost 10,000 and in others they have pushed to remove language indicating cancer problems and neurotoxicity.

The request said the problems are not necessarily tied to a single administration, starting before the Trump administration and continuing both during it and into the Biden administration.

Significantly, our clients attest that OCSPP’s problems are not solely due to the Trump administration and its appointees. The problems faced by our clients occurred before Trump took office, throughout the Trump years, and continue under the current administration, said an attached letter from Tim Whitehouse, executive director of PEER, who represents the scientists.

The allegations come after EPA Administrator Michael ReganMichael ReganFocus turned to EPA on methane regulation after Biden action OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Federal government withdraws decision allowing the use of radioactive material in road construction | EPA would use two-step approach to vehicle emissions | Elsa strengthens in first hurricane of Atlantic season EPA withdraws rule allowing radioactive material to be used in road construction MORE said agency will look at interference in science, particularly those that have occurred under the previous administration.

In response to the allegations, EPA spokesperson Tim Carroll shared a statement saying the administration is committed to investigating alleged breaches of scientific integrity.

It is essential that all EPA decisions are informed by rigorous scientific information and standards, the statement said. The EPA Scientific Integrity Officer and members of the Scientific Integrity Team will thoroughly investigate any allegations of violations of EPA Scientific Integrity Policy that they receive and will endeavor to to protect the science of the EPA.

EPA management is reviewing these complaints and any appropriate action will be taken, he continued.

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