chemical regulation
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Hydrogen’s potential tainted by forever chemicals in France
A French town’s excitement for green hydrogen jobs quickly soured when concerns about toxic PFAS chemicals, linked to serious health risks, emerged from a nearby factory.
In short:
- Residents of Villers-Saint-Paul were warned not to eat local eggs due to high levels of PFAS, potentially from a nearby Chemours factory.
- PFAS, essential in green hydrogen production, are known to cause cancer and fertility issues, raising concerns as the factory plans to expand.
- Despite the company's safety claims, local officials demand further investigations, fearing increased pollution.
Key quote:
"You have two big environmental subjects at stake. You have decarbonization and you have the question of PFAS. It's really difficult."
— Alexandre Ouizille, Deputy Mayor of Villers-Saint-Paul
Why this matters:
Some say green hydrogen is the future of clean energy, but the people of Villers-Saint-Paul, a small town in northern France, are learning that even green solutions need careful scrutiny when industry giants and dangerous chemicals are involved. Read more: A lasting legacy: DuPont, C8 contamination and the community of Parkersburg left to grapple with the consequences.
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Credit: Annie Spratt/Unsplash
Farmers across Africa adopt agroecology to replace industrial agriculture
As small-scale farmers across Africa reject industrial agriculture and multinational control, many are turning to agroecology to create sustainable, diverse crops without chemicals or expensive fertilizers.
In short:
- Ethiopian farmer Asmelash Dagne teaches water conservation and organic practices to help farms thrive without chemicals.
- In South Africa, Themba Chauke promotes community gardens using traditional intercropping techniques, empowering locals to grow their own food.
- Slow Food International’s Edie Mukiibi advocates for agroecology over industrial farming, arguing it ensures food security and independence from corporate control.
Key quote:
"It is so important not to lose the argument because then we hand our future to the corporations."
— Edie Mukiibi, president of Slow Food International
Why this matters:
Agroecology offers a sustainable alternative to industrial farming, protecting local food systems from corporate monopolies while helping farmers adapt to climate change and economic pressures. This approach also encourages biodiversity and healthier, self-sufficient communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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A planned Erie, Pa., plastics recycling plant draws support and opposition
A proposed Erie recycling plant that would convert plastics for reuse and steelmaking has secured a $182.6 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, sparking debate over its environmental and economic impact.
In short:
- International Recycling Group (IRG) plans to process 160,000 tons of plastic annually in Erie, selling some for recycling and using the rest to replace coal in steelmaking.
- Local supporters emphasize job creation, while critics fear air pollution, traffic and potential harm to Lake Erie from plastic waste.
- Environmental groups argue that recycling plastics for steelmaking perpetuates outdated technologies and could delay faster climate solutions.
Key quote:
“They’ve never been straight with the answers. They always hold us suspect, those people who care about the environment and the people in the neighborhood.”
— Art Leopold, Erie resident
Why this matters:
The project promises jobs and lower emissions but concerns about pollution and reliance on fossil fuels have led some Erie residents to question the long-term benefits. Careful oversight will be needed to ensure environmental safety and transparency.
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Vicky Cann: How the chemical-industry lobby pushes 'safe use' exemptions
Ever since the EU Commission published its hazardous chemicals strategy, the industry has lobbied to undermine and dilute its promises — and lobbyists can point to some clear wins.
Supreme Court ruling could hamper EPA' ability to protect the public
The agency will still be allowed to regulate many forms of air pollution, but would need explicit direction from Congress on how to tackle some of the worst aspects of climate change and other pressing issues.
E.P.A. to propose restrictions on asbestos
The agency aims to ban the manufacturing and import of a type of asbestos that is used in brake pads, gaskets and other automotive products and is linked to cancer.
www.nytimes.com
New EPA head, Michael Regan, says agency has climate regulations underway
Michael Regan says the E.P.A. is already working on new rules to control planet-warming emissions from cars and power plants.
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