Gina McCarthy, former head of the EPA, often wonders about the White House’s “Make America Healthy Again” plan. Signed by President Trump, it sounds great. Who wouldn’t want healthier kids? Yet, it raises questions about whether anyone in government is truly paying attention to it.
It’s surprising that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an experienced environmental lawyer, seems more focused on changing vaccine recommendations than on tracking the outcomes detailed in the MAHA report. The EPA, which added its logo to this report, is now under the leadership of Lee Zeldin. However, Zeldin is pushing policies that could weaken the agency’s mission. His focus appears to be on increasing fossil fuel use and promoting pollution, rather than safeguarding public health.
Many feel frustrated watching this unfold. Zeldin’s actions threaten to undermine years of progress made at the EPA, designed to ensure cleaner air and safer water. An organization made up of former EPA staff recently estimated that Zeldin’s rollbacks of pollution protections could result in 200,000 premature deaths. Those numbers are alarming.
One way Zeldin obscures the agency’s actions is through timing. Major announcements often come on Fridays or right before holidays, making them easy to overlook.
The MAHA plan emphasizes reducing “chemical exposure” to protect children. However, Zeldin’s decisions over the past year raise concern:
- He has brought in chemical industry lobbyists to key positions, which might dilute safety assessments for chemicals, including harmful substances like PFAS.
- Chemical plants and other facilities can now more easily release pollutants just by emailing the agency.
- Compliance deadlines for harmful chemicals in household products, like methylene chloride, have been delayed.
- The limits on mercury emissions and greenhouse gases from coal plants are being weakened, jeopardizing public health.
No other organization holds as much potential as the EPA to advance public health through solid science and community engagement.
As citizens, it’s crucial to pay attention to how these changes affect children’s health, the elderly, and vulnerable communities. The current direction of the EPA risks making it harder to ensure a healthier future for all.
In social media discussions, many parents express concern over these developments, emphasizing a collective desire for a safer environment for their children. They want to know why the emphasis is on “energy dominance” when the focus should be on health.
Ultimately, those involved in the MAHA movement and the general public need to stay informed about what leadership at the EPA is doing. Addressing these issues is vital if we wish to prioritize our children’s health and well-being for the future.
Source link
Horizontal,Listening,USA,Washington DC,White House – Washington DC,Politics,Administrator,Photography,Government,Donald Trump – US President,Environmental Protection Agency,Cabinet Meeting,United States Environmental Protection Agency,Politics and Government,Lee Zeldin,dc,government,horizontal,politics,united states,washington
