Washington, D.C. – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin issued a statement following the Justice Department’s decision to drop a longstanding chemical lawsuit initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden Administration. The case sought to shut down a petrochemical plant in Louisiana due to an emergency order related to its chloroprene emissions. Last year, the Committee raised serious concerns with the EPA over its decision not to conduct an updated chemical review of chloroprene and broader issues with the agency’s Integrated Risk Information System.
“I am pleased the Trump Administration has decided to dismiss this unwarranted lawsuit, which lacks scientific validity and underscores the important efforts the Committee has done to address outdated chemical assessments,” Chairman Babin said. “The EPA must utilize the highest quality and best available science to characterize chemical risk accurately and ensure that programs are transparent and effective. Upholding top-tier scientific standards and integrity will eliminate political influence, keeping the agency's goal of protecting the environment and human health of Americans a top priority. I look forward to this meaningful progress continuing.”