Must-read recap: The New Lede's top stories over the last week

The latest from TNL covers new maps of PFAS in US drinking water, a proposed law that would establish the right to sue for pesticide injuries and more.

This past week, TNL covered newly introduced legislation that would establish a right to sue for those injured by pesticides, as well as a proposed House budget bill that would gut environmental protections.

In other news, maps based on recent EPA data reveal widespread PFAS contamination in drinking water, a letter to Congress argues the dangers of gutting a key chemical safety board and researchers found sky-high insecticide levels in Colorado waters.

Here’s the latest from The New Lede:

New map reveals 73 million people exposed to PFAS in US drinking water above EPA standards

Over 73 million people in the US are being exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals in their tap water, according to an analysis of data from a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water monitoring program. (Read the rest of the story.)

Gutting chemical safety board endangers millions of Americans, groups warn Congress

A coalition of environmental, labor and public safety groups are calling on US lawmakers to reject the Trump administration’s move to eliminate a federal unit that investigates chemical accidents, citing risks to more than 170 million people who lives in zones at risk for such events. (Read the rest of the story.)

New research finds sky-high insecticide levels in Colorado water

Adding to evidence about the pervasiveness of pesticides that endanger human and environmental health, new research has found widely used insecticides in Colorado waterways at levels 100 times higher than what researchers say is needed to protect aquatic life. (Read the rest of the story.)

Proposed federal law would turn tables on Big Ag, establishing a right to sue for pesticide injuries

Taking specific aim at the global agrochemical companies Bayer and Syngenta, US Sen. Cory Booker on July 17 introduced legislation that would create a federal “right of action” allowing people to sue those pesticide makers and others for allegedly causing health harms such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease. (Read the rest of the story.)

House 2026 budget guts environmental protections

Republicans are proposing deep cuts to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill, which additionally would limit federal help for farmers dealing with “forever chemical” contamination. (Read the rest of the story.)