RFK’s new dietary guidelines win applause, spark criticism
New US dietary guidelines released by the federal government this week received mixed reactions from the health community, with many praising the move to explicitly advise against consuming highly processed foods in favor of whole foods but others concerned about a recommendation to consume red meat.
Combatting agricultural pollution: Michigan’s new manure management rules
Michigan issued new requirements to the state’s big livestock and poultry producers to more safely manage the brown tide of manure they spread each year on farm fields. The state’s Farm Bureau and large livestock operations vow to fight.
Hundreds of groups urge Congress not to weaken chemical safety law
Hundreds of environmental and health groups are urging Congress not to weaken the nation’s premier chemical safety law as Republican lawmakers signal a willingness to reopen the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
A “hard fight”- Pesticide industry protection stripped from appropriations bill
In a setback for the pesticide industry, Democrats have succeeded in removing a rider from a congressional appropriations bill that would have helped protect pesticide makers from being sued and could have hindered state efforts to warn about pesticide risks.
MAHA muscle: The rise of the mom-driven movement shaking up Washington
Kelly Ryerson never intended to become a food and health activist. The northern California married mom spent several years working in finance jobs before directing her focus to raising her two children. That changed in 2011, when debilitating bouts of odd illnesses sent her searching for answers.
Ultra-processed diets drive obesity and climate change — but solutions are within reach
Diets around the world dependent on ultra-processed foods and animal-based agriculture are driving obesity rates and climate change, but solutions exist that would bolster health, and save money and the planet, according to a new review.
As Trump promotes coal, no respite for communities choking on the industry’s dust
David Jones Jr. is no stranger to treacherous work. For years, the 45-year-old South Baltimore resident made his living scaling tall buildings to install signs. But for Jones, the real danger has been in and around his home: Jones and his wife live a few hundred feet away from a large coal terminal where dust from mountainous, uncovered coal piles has blown over the community day after day for decades.
USDA spotlights dairy sanctioned for animal welfare violations in its “regenerative” push
When USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a regenerative farming pilot program this week, she highlighted one farmer in particular. What Rollins didn’t note, however, was that the Alexandre Family Farm was recently under investigation for a long list of alleged animal welfare violations.
EPA adds another industry insider as the administration’s lobbyist ranks grow
The nation’s main office for protecting Americans from harmful chemicals is welcoming its fourth prominent industry insider since President Trump took office, adding to an administration full of former lobbyists and corporate executives who are making environmental policy.
Health advocates call for policymakers to tackle ultra-processed foods “crisis” at DC summit
Health advocates and policymakers from both sides of the political aisle called for the federal government to prioritize the public health crisis they warn has resulted from the pervasive ultra-processed foods at Americans’ fingertips at a summit in Washington, DC on Wednesday.