"The United States has sent letters to at least a handful of countries urging them to reject the goal of a global pact that includes limits on plastic production and plastic chemical additives at the start of U.N. plastic treaty talks in Geneva, according to a memo and communications seen by Reuters."

"At least 250 bills to regulate the hazardous chemicals have been introduced this year in more than two dozen states." 

"Nations kicked off a meeting on Tuesday to try to complete a landmark treaty aimed at ending the plastic pollution crisis that affects every ecosystem and person on the planet."

"Bayer, the biotech company and manufacturer of Round Up, has substantially increased its spending on lobbying in Iowa since the introduction of a pesticide labeling bill in 2024."

"When school starts in West Virginia next month, 240,000 students in districts large and small will notice something missing from their cafeteria trays. Gone will be red Jell-O fruit cups, yogurt topped with brightly hued sprinkles and and older verisons of Cool Ranch Doritos — all foods made with synthetic dyes."

"While the federal government is scaling back regulations on “forever chemicals,” New Jersey is holding polluters accountable, announcing a record-breaking $2 billion settlement with DuPont and several related companies with a $875 million payout and up to $1.2 billion in cleanup costs."

"Plastics are a “grave” danger to humans and the planet, responsible for an estimated $1.5 trillion annually in health-related costs, and nations need to center human health as they finalize the global plastics treaty, scientists said in a new report released Monday."

"“This is a very baffling moment in time,” said one researcher. “I never would have thought we had to advocate for science.”" 

"In the latest move to combat contamination of a Maryland community's drinking water,  two Salisbury residents allege Perdue Agribusiness is violating federal law by failing to properly dispose of waste that contains toxic PFAS chemicals, according to a lawsuit filed July 25."

"In August, representatives of the world's nations will meet in Geneva, Switzerland, to hopefully finalize a U.N. plastic treaty. But negotiators remain far apart, with an overwhelming number of nations wanting a legally binding treaty that limits plastic production, while a much smaller number want a voluntary agreement focused on waste management."