EPA Chief Embraces MAHA Movement's Environmental Agenda

Zeldin announces new chemical restrictions, but activists remain wary of industry influence

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Environmental Protection Agency under Administrator Lee Zeldin has been working to collaborate with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, a coalition that argues corporate environmental harms are putting people's health at risk. Zeldin has announced new restrictions on certain chemicals, met with MAHA activists, and promised a 'MAHA agenda' in the coming months. However, some activists remain skeptical of industry influence within the EPA and want to see more concrete action on issues like pesticides, lead pipes, and chemical contamination.

Why it matters

This collaboration between a traditionally pro-business Republican administration and the MAHA movement, which is championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlights the growing political influence of the MAHA coalition. With the midterm elections looming, the EPA's responsiveness to MAHA's environmental health priorities could be a key factor in maintaining the coalition's support for the administration.

The details

After initially being dismissive of MAHA's concerns, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has made overtures to the movement in recent months. He met with activists like Courtney Swan and Kelly Ryerson, invited them to provide input on the EPA's upcoming 'MAHA agenda,' and even announced new restrictions on certain chemicals. However, some activists remain wary of industry influence within the EPA, pointing to the hiring of former industry lobbyists and the EPA's proposal to allow broader use of the weed killer Dicamba.

  • On New Year's Eve 2025, Zeldin announced new restrictions on five chemicals commonly used in building materials, plastic products and adhesives.
  • In December 2025, Zeldin met with MAHA activists at a Christmas party and later invited several to a meeting at EPA headquarters.

The players

Lee Zeldin

The administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The biggest champion of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which has influenced public health policy as health secretary.

Courtney Swan

A MAHA activist who focuses on nutritional issues and has spoken with EPA officials in recent months.

Kelly Ryerson

A prominent MAHA activist who was so frustrated with the EPA's weakening of protections against harmful chemicals that she and other MAHA supporters drew up a petition to get Zeldin fired.

Alexandra Muñoz

A molecular toxicologist who works with MAHA activists on some issues and was in the hourlong meeting with Zeldin.

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What they’re saying

“This is becoming an issue that if the EPA does not start getting their stuff together, then they could lose the midterms over this.”

— Courtney Swan, MAHA activist (ksgf.com)

“The level of engagement with people concerned with their health is absolutely revolutionary. The agency's upcoming plan 'will say whether or not they take it seriously,' but she praised MAHA's access as 'unprecedented.'”

— Kelly Ryerson, MAHA activist (ksgf.com)

“In terms of what was said, it felt like we were interacting with a lot of industry talking points.”

— Alexandra Muñoz, Molecular toxicologist (ksgf.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.