Icosapent

The EPA issued its first VERV Program voucher for WB1 Males, a novel mosquito control product using Wolbachia wAlbB strain to suppress Aedes aegypti populations, targeting diseases like dengue and Zika. VERV incentivizes innovative mosquito control solutions, offering expedited review for future products, though not guaranteed.

ASTA session speakers discuss navigating political transitions, focusing on policy, innovation, and agriculture's future. Key topics include trade, sustainability, biotechnology, regulatory efficiency, and the importance of science in agriculture.

Republicans plan to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to swiftly overturn Biden-era regulations, especially 'midnight regulations.' The CRA allows Congress to review and nullify new federal regulations within 60 legislative days, bypassing the filibuster. Biden-era environmental rules, immigration policies, and diversity initiatives are likely targets for repeal.

President-elect Trump's second administration aims to reduce regulatory burdens on innovative agricultural technologies like GMOs, promising a boost to the U.S. agricultural economy. ITIF has long advocated for science-based regulation, matching scrutiny to product risk. While progress has been made, particularly by USDA, further reforms are needed at FDA and EPA to align regulatory scrutiny with actual risk levels, ensuring innovation is not unduly hindered.

Mana whenua and Greenpeace resist Trans-Tasman Resources' seabed mining, despite TTR using a fast-track approval process. TTR plans to extract 50 million tonnes of sand annually for 35 years, but faces opposition from local iwi, environmental groups, and over 60,000 petitioners. The EPA previously rejected TTR's application due to environmental concerns.

B&C launches Public Policy and Regulation Blog, offering expert insights on chemical policy developments. Webinar on Jan 14, 2025, features Lynn L. Bergeson, James V. Aidala, Mark J. Washko, and Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., discussing future chemical policy impacts.

The EPA finalized the PFAS Designation Rule in April 2024, classifying PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law, effective July 2024. This designation imposes release reporting obligations and significant liability for improper disposal, including cleanup costs, natural resource damages, and fines. Industries must adopt safe disposal methods, such as thermal treatment, landfilling, and underground injection, while transactional due diligence must now include PFAS assessments. The rule also impacts Superfund litigation and liability, with potential for expanded CERCLA claims. The EPA's Enforcement Discretion Policy aims to focus on entities that significantly contributed to PFAS contamination, but challenges remain in implementation. Industry groups have petitioned to challenge the rule, and the incoming Trump Administration may seek to limit or eliminate it.

A physician reflects on a patient's admiration for RFK Jr., discussing the FDA's role in public health, the efficacy and safety of psychedelics, peptides, stem cells, raw milk, hyperbaric therapies, chelation, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, vitamins, and nutraceuticals. The article concludes with concerns over RFK Jr.'s potential impact on public health if he were to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine and regulatory oversight.

FDA and EPA approve SaniDate® 12.0, the first antimicrobial treatment for pre-harvest agricultural water, to combat foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.

EPA awards $800,000 to two SoCal small businesses for developing innovative environmental technologies: Water Illumination, Inc. for PFAS destruction in saline wastewater, and Holochip Corporation for AI-powered emergency response mapping.