Maine Representative Chellie Pingree Demands Transparency on Delayed EPA Report on Toxic PFNA Chemical
In a move to shed light on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) handling of a critical report, Maine Representative Chellie Pingree has written a letter to EPA Chief Lee Zeldin demanding answers about the delayed publication of a study on the toxicity of PFNA, a "forever chemical" contaminating water sources for millions of Americans. According to ProPublica, the report was allegedly completed in April but remains unpublished.
Pingree's inquiry aims to uncover the reasons behind the delay and ensure that critical information is released to protect public well-being. The representative cited a recent ProPublica story that quoted government scientists saying a yet-to-be-released report on the toxicity of PFNA was ready to publish in April. "The American people have a right to know about the toxic chemicals contaminating their water," Pingree said in her letter.
According to sources, the EPA has been aware of the report's completion for several months but has failed to release it to the public. This delay has sparked concerns about the agency's accountability and commitment to public health. "The lack of transparency is alarming," said a government scientist who spoke with ProPublica on condition of anonymity. "We've been trying to get this information out for months, but it seems like the EPA is dragging its feet."
PFNA, a synthetic chemical used in various industrial applications, has been linked to serious health problems, including cancer and reproductive issues. The chemical has contaminated water sources across the country, affecting millions of Americans. In Maine alone, PFNA contamination has been detected in several communities.
Pingree's letter highlights the need for transparency and accountability within the EPA. "The public deserves to know what is being done to protect their health," she said. According to ProPublica, the report on PFNA's toxicity was initially expected to be released in April but has since been delayed without explanation.
As of now, it remains unclear why the report has not been published. The EPA has yet to respond to Pingree's letter or provide a timeline for releasing the report. However, experts say that the delay is unacceptable and that the public has a right to know about the toxic chemicals contaminating their water.
"We need to get this information out as soon as possible," said Dr. Gina Solomon, a senior scientist at the Public Health and Environment Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The longer we wait, the more people are exposed to these toxic chemicals."
Pingree's inquiry is expected to shed light on the EPA's handling of the report and ensure that critical information is released to protect public well-being. As the representative said in her letter, "The American people deserve transparency and accountability from their government agencies."
This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.
