4/23/19
By: Alexandra Dunn, Assistant Administrator
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Happy Earth Week everyone!
I’m privileged to be marking Earth Week in my new role as Assistant Administrator of the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP)! In honor of Earth Week, I’d like to celebrate my amazing staff and all the work they do each day to protect human health and the environment for all Americans.
OCSPP’s mission is to use sound science as a compass to protect you, your family, and the environment from potential risks from pesticides and chemicals. Through innovative partnerships and collaboration we also work to prevent pollution before it begins. This reduces waste, saves energy and natural resources, and leaves our homes, schools, and workplaces cleaner and safer.
There is no better time than this week to reflect on some specific examples of how we are fulfilling this mission and making a difference across the country. Some examples include:
- Prioritizing and reviewing existing chemicals using a risk-based approach to ensure that chemicals for sale and use in the U.S. do not harm human health and the environment.
- Reviewing the safety of new chemicals before they’re allowed on the market.
- Providing information to the public on how and where chemicals are used and managed—in their communities and across the nation—through the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).
- Establishing maximum levels for pesticide residues in food.
- Providing label standards and other safety measures that protect more than 2 million farmworkers, preserves pollinator habitats, minimizes pesticide runoff to rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans.
- Promoting and providing education on the judicious use of pesticides through integrated pest management approaches that encourage the use of pesticides from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals.
- Participating in a variety of partnerships that work to prevent pollution and promote safe pesticide use.
- Coordinating the external experts that provide us with independent advice and recommendations to help EPA make sound scientific decisions about pesticides and chemical management.
The list goes on and shows the richness, diversity, and impact of the work we do in OCSPP. It is a privilege to work on these significant environmental issues with OCSPP’s capable and talented staff.
