Chemical industry backed laws in three US states to restrict use of air pollution data

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Published: 2026-09-10T11:24:33.343Z • Permanent link

Fierce lobbying by powerful interests in the chemical industry has yielded significant legislative gains in three US states, aiming to restrict the use of crucial air pollution data. This development marks a concerning escalation of efforts to undermine federal air quality monitoring systems and limit the public's access to vital information on air pollution levels.

Regulatory rollbacks and legislative changes have already diminished the effectiveness of the US network for monitoring air pollution, leaving a void in crucial data that scientists, policymakers, and the public rely on. The latest state laws represent a significant step back from federal progress made in recent years to address air pollution concerns. Industry groups have been working behind the scenes to shape these laws, using their significant financial resources to influence policymakers.

Growing public concern about air quality has been fueled by the decline of public air monitors, which have been disappearing at an alarming rate. A recent Floodlight investigation revealed that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been struggling to maintain a comprehensive network of air quality monitors, with many sites being closed or reduced in scope. The loss of these monitors has left a significant gap in the nation's ability to track air pollution levels, and the latest state laws are exacerbating this problem.

Regulatory changes in these three states will have far-reaching implications for research communities and companies that rely on air pollution data to inform their operations. Companies such as DuPont, Dow Chemical, and Occidental Petroleum, which are among the largest chemical producers in the US, will be significantly impacted by these laws. These companies have a vested interest in limiting the use of air pollution data, as it could compromise their ability to operate efficiently and profitably.

Data-driven decision-making is critical in industries such as chemical manufacturing, where small changes in air pollution levels can have significant economic and environmental impacts. By restricting access to air pollution data, these state laws will limit the ability of companies and researchers to make informed decisions about their operations, which could have unintended consequences for public health and the environment. Furthermore, these laws will also undermine the ability of policymakers to develop effective regulations and policies to address air pollution concerns.

The push to restrict air pollution data in these three states is part of a larger pattern of efforts to undermine federal air quality regulations. The EPA has been working to strengthen federal air quality standards, but these efforts have been met with resistance from industry groups and some lawmakers. The chemical industry has a long history of using its significant financial resources to influence policymakers and shape regulatory outcomes in its favor.