Tim Whitehouse, the executive director of the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a nonprofit that is campaigning with AFGE in Washington this week, said that in addition to helping the U.S. achieve its climate goals, an expanded workforce would allow the EPA to more thoroughly develop its own science instead of relying on studies designed and developed by industrial companies. He pointed to the EPA program that issues rules around the use of toxic chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” In the past, industrial companies have tried to conceal the hazards of these types of chemicals, leading to lags in their regulation.
“That’s an actual example of how understaffed parts of EPA can make mistakes that have long-term human health consequences,” he said.