Trump Administration Abandons Asbestos Policy After Public Outcry

The Trump administration has decided to withdraw its plans regarding chrysotile asbestos, the last type of asbestos still legally used in U.S. manufacturing, in response to strong opposition from those against asbestos usage. On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated that it would take a stand to uphold the Biden administration's ban on chrysotile asbestos, which is utilized in various products, including brake blocks and sheet gaskets.

Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has largely been eliminated from use in the U.S.; however, the Biden administration made strides last year to implement a comprehensive ban after years of legal battles over the substance. The EPA reported last year that asbestos exposure is responsible for numerous health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, leading to approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

Previously, the EPA had expressed concern in a federal appeals court filing that some aspects of the ban could be excessive and suggested that alternative measures, such as workplace protections, could effectively mitigate risks. The agency had intended to establish new regulations over a 30-month period, but industry groups have challenged the Biden administration’s ban in court. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, which advocates against diseases linked to asbestos, echoed similar concerns, arguing that any delay could hinder the progress of the current legal case.

Lynn Ann Dekleva, a senior official at the EPA, confirmed that the agency will not pursue the revision of the asbestos ban rule. According to her, the Biden administration's initial efforts did not sufficiently safeguard chemical industry workers from the dangers related to chrysotile asbestos. EPA Press Secretary Brigit Hirsch stated that they are considering interim protections for workers involved in replacing asbestos gaskets during this reconsideration process.

Linda Reinstein, the president of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, expressed her happiness over the EPA's decision not to revisit the ban but criticized the agency’s focus on workplace protections instead of a wider ban. She emphasized that the EPA should prioritize the safety of all workers rather than just those in specific roles. Furthermore, the necessity for a ban on asbestos has been underscored by a history of inadequate protections, as demonstrated by the Biden administration's proactive stance on this issue.

The previous attempt by the EPA to reevaluate the asbestos ban was part of a broader trend of deregulation under the Trump administration. Michelle Roos, the executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, remarked that this reversal signifies the beginning of public resistance against attempts to abolish essential safety standards that protect environmental health.