Trump appointees interfered to weaken EPA assessment of toxic chemical

But EPA scientists who spoke to the Guardian say several employees willingly worked with the Trump appointees to weaken the assessment, and they were never reprimanded or fired.

The scientists say the controversy is part of a deeper problem afflicting the EPA: industry influence on career staff, and an unwillingness from the EPA to address it.

The assessment would have been used by regulators to establish drinking-water quality standards and other environmental cleanup targets that companies must meet when addressing pollution. Instead of a specific target number, Wheeler ordered a range of toxicity values for PFBS, which meant companies required to clean up pollution could choose to leave higher levels of the chemical in the environment.

Lowit now works as a science adviser in the OCSPP and did not respond to a request for comment.

Stedeford has since left the EPA to work for a law firm that represents chemical manufacturers.

Henry retired amid the inspector general investigation late last year.