Some top US lobbying firms are working both sides of the Pfas issue at the same time

Some top US lobbying firms are working both sides of the Pfas issue at the same time Review from non-profit finds range of scenarios of firms simultaneously lobbying for and against Pfas regulations Some top US lobbying firms are simultaneously working both sides of the Pfas “forever chemicals” issue, raising serious conflict of interest questions and concerns that their activity is slowing states’ efforts to rein in the public health threat. The review of six states’ lobbying records conducted by the non-profit F-Minus found a range of scenarios in which firms lobbied both sides. Most common Pfas are linked to cancer. The lobbying firm Holland & Knight works for the American Chemistry Council, which represents the nation’s largest Pfas makers, and aggressively opposes most regulations. Simultaneously, Holland & Knight lobbies for the American Cancer Society. In a statement to the Guardian, Holland & Knight said they follow “rigorous ethics and conflict-review procedures in all of its legal and public policy work”. They claim: “the report’s conclusions are based on a flawed premise that assumes any client relationship means the firm is advocating on that client’s behalf on every policy issue. That is a mischaracterization of the nature of the firm’s work for its clients and mistakenly implies conflicts where none exist.” Lobbyist Rocky Dallum of the Tonkon Torp firm lobbied against a state bill in Oregon that would have banned Pfas in many consumer goods. He also lobbied for the Oregon Bioscience Association for funding for rare diseases screening in newborns. In-utero Pfas exposure is linked to decreased immunity, neurotoxic effects , rare cancers and other health issues . In New Jersey, state records show the Princeton Public Affairs Group lobbied for and against a bill that banned Pfas in some consumer goods. The company made $96,000, F-Minus found. Industry and lobbyists frequently succeed in killing public health bills, or leaders sometimes enact “half measures...