Chemicals

Open Door to Industry for Trump Environmental Agency Appointees

It’s not just the heads of Trump administration environmental agencies who come from the industries they now are entrusted to regulate. The latest TipSheet explains that it’s also the political appointees below them — officials responsible for overseeing air, water, toxic chemicals, Superfund, forests and drilling — who are now likely examples of regulatory capture. A short list. Plus, more from our new Trump 2.0 EJWatch special section.

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Fla. Plan to Build Road With Radioactive Waste Prompts Suit Against the EPA

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency faces a legal challenge after approving a controversial plan to include radioactive waste in a road project late last year."

Source: Inside Climate News, 02/24/2025

The Forgotten Victims of Hidalgo

Contaminated water sickened thousands of residents near Mexico City for 40 years — even as officials knew they were being poisoned. Then, an investigative news team turned its attention to the polluted region, and produced multiple video and text versions of an award-winning feature focused on the residents’ health, poverty and more. Read a revealing Q&A with investigative producer Carlos Carabaña in the new Inside Story.

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"National Science Foundation Fires Roughly 10% Of Its Workforce"

"The National Science Foundation fired 168 employees on Tuesday. According to an NSF spokesperson, the firings are to ensure compliance with President Trump's executive order aimed at reducing the federal workforce in the name of efficiency."

Source: NPR, 02/19/2025

Mexico Orders Factory Cleanup After Guardian Toxic Waste Investigation

"Mexican environmental regulators say they have discovered 30,000 tons of improperly stored material with “hazardous characteristics” in the yard of a Mexican plant that is recycling toxic waste shipped from the US."

Source: Guardian, 02/14/2025

"Undocumented Workers Prepare to Clean Up L.A.’s Fires Amid ICE Raids"

"In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that tore through Los Angeles last month, undocumented day laborers will likely make up a significant portion of the workforce tasked with clearing debris and rebuilding homes. As they navigate the environmental hazards of this work, they’re also facing the Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on immigrants."

Source: Capital & Main, 02/14/2025

"Coca-Cola Says It May Use More Plastic Due To Trump Tariffs"

"Coca-Cola may have to sell more drinks in plastic bottles in the US if President Donald Trump's tariffs end up making aluminium cans more expensive, the company's chief executive, James Quincey, said in a call with investors."

Source: BBC News, 02/14/2025

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