Trump Administration Backs Down from Rewriting Biden-Era Asbestos Ban
After a wave of criticism from public health advocates, environmental groups, and political leaders, the Trump Administration has reversed its decision to rewrite the Biden-era ban on chrysotile asbestos. This announcement ends weeks of uncertainty over whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would weaken or delay one of the most significant chemical safety actions in recent years.
The Biden Administration finalized the asbestos ban in 2024 as part of a broader effort to enforce protections under the reformed Toxic Substances Control Act. This ban marked the first comprehensive restriction on asbestos since 2016. It prohibits the import, manufacture, and use of chrysotile asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and several other deadly diseases, while allowing certain industries a limited phase-out period of up to 12 years.
Last month, the Trump Administration indicated it would revisit and potentially rewrite the rule, citing concerns that the ban might exceed what is legally necessary to protect workers. The proposed review sparked immediate backlash. Critics argued that re-opening the ban would not only delay its implementation but also undermine years of advocacy and scientific consensus on the dangers of asbestos. The Trump Administration submitted a new filing this week stating it would no longer pursue changes to the asbestos ban. Instead, the agency will shift its focus toward strengthening workplace protections during the phase-out period. The EPA plans to focus specifically on industries that still rely on asbestos-containing products such as sheet gaskets, brake blocks, and chlorine manufacturing equipment.
Health advocates remain cautiously optimistic. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, one of the leading voices pushing for a full asbestos ban, welcomed the administration’s reversal but warned that the EPA must remain vigilant. For advocates, anything short of a complete ban risks ongoing harm and potential loopholes that could delay justice for victims of asbestos-related illnesses.
Despite the policy reversal, legal challenges to the asbestos ban are far from over. Industry lawsuits are still pending, and the EPA’s statements suggest it may continue exploring regulatory flexibility in some areas, particularly related to workplace safety during the transition away from asbestos. Advocates argue that focusing on temporary protections rather than a full prohibition misses the broader public health imperative, eliminating exposure altogether.
Asbestos-related diseases continue to claim an estimated 40,000 lives annually in the United States. The material’s fire-resistant properties made it a staple in construction, insulation, and manufacturing for decades, until its lethal health effects became undeniable. Efforts to ban the substance entirely have faced repeated setbacks over the years due to industry resistance and regulatory inertia.
This week’s decision signals a shift back toward supporting the stricter regulatory stance. For now, the EPA appears ready to defend the rule in court rather than start over.
If you or someone you know may have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, contact us at 412-471-3980 to discuss your case and protect your rights. Our team is committed to advocating for justice and holding those responsible for asbestos exposure accountable.
Article first appeared on gpwlaw.com/news.