As Nancy Beck and Lynn Ann Dekleva return to the EPA to help oversee chemical regulations, their previous roles in the chemical industry raise questions about the potential impact on public health and safety, particularly following their opposition to stricter regulations during the Trump administration.
Chemical Industry Leaders Returning to Key EPA Roles, Raising Alarm Over Regulatory Influence
Chemical Industry Leaders Returning to Key EPA Roles, Raising Alarm Over Regulatory Influence
Nancy Beck and Lynn Ann Dekleva, former industry executives, are set to oversee chemical regulations at the EPA, prompting concerns about their past resistance to stricter rules.
In a significant move that has raised red flags among environmental advocates, two former chemical industry officials are poised to take on critical positions at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nancy Beck and Lynn Ann Dekleva, both with a history of opposing tougher chemical regulation, are expected to assume roles that could influence the agency's approach to chemical safety and oversight.
Nancy B. Beck, a toxicologist and former executive with the American Chemistry Council, has reportedly been reappointed to a regulatory position within the EPA, mirroring her controversial tenure from 2017 to 2021. While the exact nature of her role remains unclear, insiders indicate she will help shape policy regarding chemical safety. Beck's past actions included revising regulations that facilitated the tracking of health risks associated with hazardous substances, including “forever chemicals” linked to cancer. She was also influential in minimizing proposed restrictions on toxic materials like asbestos and methylene chloride.
Lynn Ann Dekleva, who brings over three decades of experience from her time at DuPont and also worked at the American Chemistry Council, is slated to serve as deputy assistant administrator overseeing new chemicals. Similar to Beck, her role is still awaiting finalization.
The duo's reappointments have inspired concern over potential conflicts of interest and the possibility of industry favoritism in policymaking, especially given the current administration's push for both economic growth and environmental protection. Neither the EPA nor Beck has commented on these appointments as scrutiny regarding corporate influence continues to heighten.
