White House moves to weaken EPA rule on toxic compounds

Source: AP

By ELLEN KNICKMEYER

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump White House has intervened to weaken one of the few public health protections pursued by its own administration, a rule to limit the use of a toxic industrial compound in consumer products, according to communications between the White House and Environmental Protection Agency.

The documents show that the White House Office of Management and Budget formally notified the EPA by email last July that it was stepping into the crafting of the rule on the compound, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, used in nonstick and stain-resistant frying pans, rugs, and countless other consumer products.

The White House repeatedly pressed the agency to agree to a major loophole that could allow substantial imports of the PFAS-tainted products to continue, greatly weakening the proposed rule. EPA pushed back on the White House demand for the loophole, known as a “safe harbor” provision for industry.

Pushed again in January, the agency responded, “EPA opposes proposing a safe harbor provision, but is open to a neutrally-worded request for comment from the public” on the White House request.



FILE - In this June 17, 2019, file photo in Washington, a label states that these pans do not contain PFAS, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The White House has intervened to weaken one of the few public health protections pursued by its own administration. Documents released Friday, April 17, 2020, show the White House stepped in to limit the scope of a pending rule that would target imports of products tainted with PFAS, used in nonstick and stain-resistant frying pans, rugs, and countless other consumer products. (AP Photo/Ellen Knickmeyer, File)


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