Recent revelations have exposed a troubling plan by scientists with financial ties to the chemical industry to undermine crucial drinking water protections. As a Guardian article highlighted, these scientists are working to derail new federal regulations on PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which have been linked to serious health risks such as cancer, kidney disease, and immune disorders. Forever chemicals disproportionately impact military veterans and firefighters who have been exposed to these chemicals in their drinking water, fire-resistant uniforms and their use of Aqueous Firefighting Foam (AFFF). With profits at stake, industry-aligned scientists are mobilizing to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rules that limit the amount of these toxic chemicals in our drinking water.
This strategy is not just about PFAS limits—it’s about setting a dangerous precedent that could strip away protections under the Clean Water Act, eventually leading to the gutting of the EPA itself. If the chemical industry succeeds in replacing genuine peer-reviewed research with biased studies, we risk seeing these corporations argue their case in front of the Supreme Court and beyond. The implications for public health and the environment are alarming.
Bethany Mann, our Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District, is uniquely qualified to push back against these attacks. As a chemist who has worked with both industrial manufacturers and the EPA to solve toxic chemical waste issues, Mann understands the science behind these regulations and the real-world consequences of weakening them. She knows that our water safety is not negotiable and that allowing corporate-backed science to dictate policy puts the health of millions at risk.
The chemical industry’s recent move to create a "journal" filled with skewed, industry-friendly research is a blatant attempt to manipulate public opinion and influence court rulings. This isn't about science—it's about profits. With PFAS contamination affecting the water of over 200 million Americans, we cannot afford to let corporations determine what’s safe for our families and communities.
Bethany Mann stands firmly against these underhanded tactics. Her expertise, combined with her dedication to protecting public health, makes her the candidate we need to defend the Clean Water Act and ensure that the EPA continues its mission to safeguard our environment. Unlike her opponent, Bob Onder, who has consistently ignored rural voters and catered to powerful interests, Mann is committed to representing all constituents in Missouri’s 3rd District, especially those whose health and livelihoods depend on clean water.
This election is pivotal. A vote for Bethany Mann is a vote for science, safety, and accountability. We need a representative who will fight for our right to clean water—not one who will stand by as industry tries to dismantle environmental protections.
