MAHA Transforms Health Policy, Tackles Environmental Rules
A New Alliance in Environmental Policy
On New Year’s Eve, Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), made a move that was unusual for someone who has been known to roll back regulations meant to protect Americans’ air and water. He announced new restrictions on five chemicals commonly found in building materials, plastic products, and adhesives, calling it a “MAHA win.” This announcement marked a shift in the relationship between the EPA and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which argues that corporate environmental harms are endangering public health.
This unexpected collaboration between a Republican administration and the MAHA movement is driven by the influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been a key figure in shaping public health policy. As health secretary, he has taken steps to reduce vaccine recommendations and change government stances on topics like seed oils, fluoride, and Tylenol. The MAHA movement now sees hope in the EPA’s promise to release a “MAHA agenda” in the coming months.
Political Implications and Public Health Concerns
The stakes are high as the November midterm elections approach, threatening the Republican Party’s control of Congress. After a politically diverse group of MAHA supporters helped bring Trump back to the White House just over a year ago, disappointing them could mean losing the support of a vocal voting bloc. Activists like Courtney Swan, who focuses on nutritional issues and has spoken with EPA officials recently, are closely watching the situation.
Christopher Bosso, a professor at Northeastern University who studies environmental policy, noted that Zeldin initially didn’t take MAHA seriously, but now he must because the group has been pushing for his removal. The MAHA movement has gained significant traction, leading to unprecedented access to EPA officials.
Building Relationships and Influencing Policy
Last year, Kelly Ryerson, a prominent activist, became frustrated with the EPA over its weakening of protections against harmful chemicals. She and other MAHA supporters created a petition to get Zeldin fired. The final straw was the EPA’s approval of two new pesticides for use on food. Ryerson, whose social media account “Glyphosate Girl” focuses on nontoxic food systems, argued that these pesticides contained “forever chemicals,” which resist breakdown and pose health risks. However, the EPA disputed this claim.
Ryerson’s relationship with the EPA changed after a MAHA Christmas party in Washington, where she spoke with Zeldin and felt he listened to her perspective. He then invited her and other activists to meet with him at the EPA headquarters. This meeting led to more conversations with Zeldin’s deputies.
Expanding Influence Beyond the EPA
The MAHA movement’s influence extends beyond the EPA. They have successfully steered federal and state lawmakers away from enacting liability shields that protect pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits. In Congress, after MAHA activists lobbied against such protections in a funding bill, they were removed. A similar measure stalled in Tennessee’s legislature.
Zeldin joined a call in December with MAHA Action, inviting activists to participate in developing the EPA’s MAHA agenda. Since then, EPA staffers have regularly participated in weekly calls and promoted open-door policies.
Industry Influence and Ethical Concerns
Despite the ongoing engagement, the Republican focus on deregulation continues to raise concerns about potential conflicts with the MAHA movement. Lori Ann Burd, the environmental health program director at The Center for Biological Diversity, pointed out the administration’s strong ties with industry interests. For example, the EPA hired a lobbyist for the soybean association, Kyle Kunkler, to serve in a senior position overseeing pesticides.
Hirsch denied any connection between Kunkler and the decision and stated that EPA pesticide decisions are based on statutory standards and scientific evidence. However, environmentalists argue that hiring ex-industry leaders is a recurring theme in this administration.
Anticipating the MAHA Agenda
Hirsch said the MAHA agenda will address issues like lead pipes, forever chemicals, plastic pollution, food quality, and Superfund cleanups. Ryerson wants to remove atrazine from drinking water and stop the pre-harvest desiccation of food, which involves applying pesticides to crops before harvest. She also seeks cancer warnings on glyphosate, an ingredient some studies link to cancer, even though the EPA says it is not likely carcinogenic when used as directed.
While optimistic about the political benefits for Zeldin, Ryerson believes some of the moves he promotes as “MAHA wins” are not genuine. For instance, his New Year’s Eve announcement on phthalates focused on environmental and workplace risks but did not address consumer products containing the chemicals.
Swan remains skeptical, stating that the EPA is sending mixed signals. Time will tell if the agency is being performative or genuinely committed to the MAHA agenda.
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