Amid series of rapid-fire policy reversals, Trump quietly withdraws proposed limits on PFAS
www.thenewlede.org
By Shannon Kelleher Amid a flurry of actions curtailing Biden’s environmental policies, the administration of newly inaugurated President Donald Trump this week withdrew a plan to set limits on toxic PFAS chemicals in industrial wastewater. The draft rule, which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent to the White House for review in June, was seen as a precedent-setting move by reducing allowable discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals that have been linked to an array of health problems. “It is abundantly clear that this action was taken to benefit the chemical industry - and every American will suffer for it,” said Kyla Bennett, director of science policy at the watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. “PFAS contamination is already a national health crisis, and this will force states to try and fill the regulatory void left by EPA's failure. “ The decision to withdraw the draft rule came as Trump issued an executive order to freeze any new federal regulations pending review. Though the initial rule would have applied to only about 13 facilities, almost 30,000 industrial sites have been identified as potential sources of PFAS in the environment, including drinking water sources, according to a 2021 analysis of EPA data by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG). And the EPA itself has identified more than 120,000 facility sites around the US where the agency says people may be exposed to PFAS. The proposal’s withdrawal is a “devastating setback” that “not only delays establishing critical federal standards but also sends a dangerous message giving polluters a green light to continue poisoning our water and communities without fear of consequence,” Melanie Benesh, EWG vice president for government affairs, said in a statement. “It’s an unconscionable betrayal of the public’s health in favor of corporate interests.” When asked about the move, an EPA spokesperson said it was “common transition procedures,” to pause major decisions, including a hold on new and pending regulations.
  • TrickDacy@lemmy.world
    0·
    2 days ago

    I see nothing to contradict the idea that this administration’s goal is to do the most morally abhorrent actions possible.

  • in4apenny@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
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    2 days ago

    Seriously where is the next Luigi? I know you’re out there, forget the school and it’s bullies or the mall full of mindless drones, or any of you who are seriously considering taking your own life, if you’re willing to do that then you’re willing to do anything right? Don’t be a villain, be a hero.

    • TrickDacy@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Heh, just was going to say I think this a lot too when I noticed it’s you from that other thread we were just talking in. Yeah, the least someone could do if they’re suicidal is take out an objectively evil person or two. I guess the problem is that if you’re emotional enough to commit suicide, you’re probably not thinking super clearly to begin with.

      • blazeknave@lemmy.world
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        23 hours ago

        Lol you’re talking about domesticating violent madness… you can’t even coerce someone to get help or fight to save their own life and you’re gonna gently guide them into tactically precise homicide? I appreciate your dedication to resource optimization but this is a stretch.

          • theneverfox@pawb.socialEnglish
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            17 hours ago

            You’re in the wrong place… Shooters come from the right, and usually hang out in far right echo chambers. Even Luigi and Trump’s attempted assassins were on the right

              • theneverfox@pawb.socialEnglish
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                4 hours ago

                I don’t know what to tell you… He’s a run of the mill conservative - not a neo-con or maga, but his entire view is through the lens of conservative values

                And that’s not necessarily bad - anyone intellectually honest and not lost in the propaganda should be able to agree healthcare is fucked, corporations are out of control, and that something needs to happen. I’ve had discussions with creationists and flat Earthers who completely agreed on that point

                You’re going to have to do some reading to get the nuance since he has his own views, it’s very available information though - everything people have found about him online has been picked apart by many people. I could link an specific article, but you can pick your poison… You can get a short opionion of someone else or a reading assignment, you might as well look for a copy of his Goodreads comments if you don’t trust my interpretation

      • in4apenny@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
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        2 days ago

        Yeah that’s a hard one to parse, but is a clear level head in time of catastrophe considered sane? I mean if a fireman was screaming at me to get out of the burning house I wouldn’t be like, “Jeez keep your voice down.”

  • KickMeElmo@sopuli.xyz
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    2 days ago

    Start donating plasma. You make money, help people, and get the PFAS filtered out of your blood all at the same time.

    • danekrae@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      and get the PFAS filtered out of your blood all at the same time

      How does that work, do you know?

      • Yodan@lemm.eeEnglish
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        2 days ago

        Blood letting basically. You get all the good and bad out, but your body doesn’t replace the plastic. So you’re down X amount of blood internally but when you regenerate it via your bone marrow it’s now your own body and not half human half barbie doll.

        I’m no doctor so I can’t delve any further but that’s my basic understanding of the way it would maybe work. Like having a bucket of dirty water with a hole in it. Sure some good water gets out but a lot of dirt does too. Then it rains (replenishing lost blood) and dirt doesn’t fall back into the bucket.