U.S. State and Federal Environmental Regulations and Public Health

Abstract

This case study explores how scientific uncertainty and competing expert claims build U.S. environmental policy, in particular around issues such as pollution, chemical exposure, and risk assessment. Concentrating on federal regulatory frameworks such as the EPA's guidelines, the case follows how policymakers are often compelled to make decisions where information is incomplete, contested, or politicized. It highlights the role of scientists, lobbyists, regulators, and citizens in brokering the science-policy boundary—and whose knowledge counts. The case introduces students to precautionary principle vs. risk-based regulation and deconstructs how industry-funded science can stall regulation by creating doubt. It also dissects landmark cases for chemicals like PFAS ("forever chemicals") to illustrate how interpretations of evidence influence environmental protection. The study draws inspiration from science and technology studies (STS) to critically assess how knowledge is socially situated and often entangled with political and economic agendas. By way of example from the real world and class discussion questions, the case presents students with the ethics of decision-making under uncertainty, the trade-off between economic development and public health, and the responsibilities of regulators and scientists. Lastly, it emphasizes the complexity of science translation to policy and the importance of transparency, participatory, and accountability in managing the environment.