The Trump administration's appointment of industry-friendly experts to a key chemical safety board has sparked concerns about a deliberate attempt to 'stack' the panel in favour of big business. Critics argue that at least 13 of the proposed members have close ties to chemical companies, undermining the impartiality required for effective regulation. This move comes as the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) prepares to review crucial safety data on chemicals such as acetaldehyde and benzene.
A coalition of public health advocacy groups has submitted comments to the EPA, highlighting the potential conflicts of interest among the new appointees. According to federal law and the agency's own guidelines, the SACC must be comprised of experts who are both balanced and free from perceived or actual conflicts of interest. The critics assert that these appointments are part of a broader strategy to dismantle protections against toxic chemicals.
Among those appointed is Wade Barranco, a Lyondell Chemical Company employee who was responsible for releasing nearly 1 million pounds of hazardous substances in 2024. Erik D Olson, senior strategic director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, described Barranco and others like him as "mouthpieces" for the chemical industry.
The SACC's role is to ensure that the EPA's decisions on regulating chemicals are based on the best available science. While industry representation has traditionally been a part of the committee, the newly proposed board appears to be heavily skewed towards corporate interests. Kyla Bennett, a former EPA scientist now with Public Employees for Responsibility, warned that an industry-dominated SACC would likely rubber-stamp research favourable to industry positions.
To support their claims, the public health coalition analysed data from the EPA's chemical reporting database and toxics release inventory, identifying companies with connections to the proposed appointees. This includes Lyondell Chemical Company, which has reported making or releasing several chemicals slated for SACC review.