EPA Official to Join EDF to Direct TSCA Advocacy

(WASHINGTON, DC – September 30, 2021) Maria J. Doa, Ph.D., currently Director of the Science Policy Division in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development, will soon be joining EDF’s Healthy Communities team as Senior Director, Chemical Policy. In this position, she will oversee EDF’s work to reduce exposures to toxic chemicals through health-protective implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

“Americans are exposed to thousands of chemicals every day, and only a small fraction have ever been adequately reviewed for safety,” said Sarah Vogel, senior vice president for Health. “With Dr. Doa’s deep expertise in chemical risk assessment and extensive knowledge of TSCA, she is well positioned to lead EDF’s longstanding work in this area.”

EDF’s Healthy Communities program aims to make air, water, food and products safer through strengthening laws and policies that protect health as well as by fostering cutting-edge research and partnerships with community groups and leading companies.

Prior to her current role at EPA, Dr. Doa directed the Chemical Control Division in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention where she created successful programs addressing complex scientific, technical, and policy issues to advance chemical risk reduction. Over her 30-year career at EPA, she led the agency’s programs to reduce risks to many industrial and commercial chemicals including lead, PCBs, mercury and asbestos. She also led EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory Program – a landmark right-to-know program that informs communities about toxic chemicals to which they may be exposed. Dr. Doa holds a doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh.

“We’re at a critical moment for ensuring TSCA is implemented in a manner that protects those at greatest risk and helps to build healthier communities,” said Dr. Doa. “EDF has a track record of using scientific expertise to challenge and advance America’s chemicals policy. A large amount of work lies ahead but I’m excited for the opportunity to advance chemical safety from a new position and also advance a broader vision of health protection, particularly for those at greatest risk.”