Public health advocates warn that the Trump administration has stacked a top chemical safety board with scientists aligned with industry interests, alleging financial conflicts that could undermine public protections.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) reviews research on dozens of toxic substances.
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A coalition of advocacy groups filed comments alleging at least 13 proposed appointees have conflicts related to chemicals under review.
Critics say these appointments aim to provide scientific cover for a broader deregulation campaign targeting national toxic chemical protections.
Appointees with Industry Ties
Among the appointees is Wade Barranco, an employee of Lyondell Chemical Company.
In 2024, his employer released nearly 1 million pounds of chemicals likely slated for SACC review, including acetaldehyde, benzene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, and styrene.
Public health groups argue that appointee participation in such reviews may be illegal, citing federal law requiring the SACC to be “both balanced and free of members who have actual or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Erik D Olson, senior strategic director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the appointees “mouthpieces for the chemical industry, or consulting firms bought and paid for by the chemical companies.”
Kyla Bennett, a former EPA scientist with Public Employees for Responsibility, warned the board will “rubber-stamp everything” and “give them cover for bad science.”
The coalition reviewed EPA databases to identify companies making or releasing chemicals scheduled for SACC review, linking appointees to firms that stand to profit from upcoming decisions.
