New EPA Directive Threatens to Weaken Hundreds of Chemical Regulations

The Trump administration has issued a new directive through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that could significantly weaken hundreds of chemical regulations across the United States. Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi released an internal memo criticizing the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), a program established in 1985 to assess chemical toxicity. The memo suggests that IRIS's library of over 500 assessments is unreliable and advises against their use in future regulations. This move potentially impacts long-standing standards for harmful substances like arsenic in drinking water and lead in paint. Critics, including former EPA attorney Robert Sussman, argue this creates loopholes for polluters to challenge enforcement actions, labeling it a major setback for public health protection. While the EPA press office claims the directive reaffirms the importance of science and ensures public participation in any revisions, the action aligns with industry-backed efforts, such as the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, to eliminate IRIS due to perceived economic costs. The directive effectively ends the independent scientific review process that previously guided federal and state environmental rules, shifting assessment responsibilities to regulatory offices.