Briefing Over Breakfast

By Andrew Obeng | May 9th, 2024

Earlier this week, Dr. Paul Locke and Rebecca Critser as well as White Coat Waste Project’s Justin Goodman presented their comments on the reversal of the EPA’s promises to minimize animal testing by 2035. Each of the speakers brought compelling arguments as to why the EPA should reestablish its goals to move away from testing on mammals. Justin Goodman discussed the withdrawal of EPA timeline. Dr. Paul Locke discussed the need for the EPA to reinstate these goals, what they are currently doing well, and what they can potentially do in the future. Finally, Rebecca Critser closed the briefing out by explaining ABA resolution 502 and its implications on federal agencies such as EPA. A common theme emerged: EPA needs to demonstrate leadership in developing new science, accountability to the public in implementing programs that eliminate animal testing, and transparency so that its actions can be charted.  In addition to presentations, dogs rescued from research facilities were there to welcome and entertain guests.

Thanks go to Representatives Blumenauer and Calvert for cohosting the event, and The White Coat Waste Project for collaborating with the Toxicology Policy Research Team at Johns Hopkins. Additionally, thank you to everyone who was in attendance, your participation madethe briefing a rousing success. 

The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Johns Hopkins University or Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.