Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

Even when EPA finds a pesticide cancer risk, agency rarely requires warnings

This story was originally published by The New Lede. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is failing to put warnings on pesticides linked to cancer — even when the agency itself

By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

/ 31 Mar 2026

Even when EPA finds a pesticide cancer risk, agency rarely requires warnings

A Michigan dairy CAFO clash over manure digesters and clean water

Over the last 30 years, the area has increasingly become home to large-scale confined animal feeding operations, commonly called CAFOs, which keep large numbers of animals in tight conditions.

By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

/ 10 Feb 2026

A Michigan dairy CAFO clash over manure digesters and clean water

Pesticides used near farm communities tied to rare but deadly childhood cancer

Previous studies have found an association between some pesticides and neuroblastoma, but this is the first to examine links between prenatal exposure from specific sprayed pesticides near the home and the disease.

By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

/ 17 Oct 2025

Pesticides used near farm communities tied to rare but deadly childhood cancer

FOIA records reveal EPA leaders frequent meetings with industry lobbyists

Before MAHA report was scrubbed of pesticide references, agricultural and chemical industry reps met with government officials.

By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

/ 23 Sep 2025

FOIA records reveal EPA leaders frequent meetings with industry lobbyists

Study maps factory farm hotspots as federal court tosses emissions lawsuit

'The meat you eat comes from somewhere. It takes up a lot of space and produces a lot of pollution.'

By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

/ 18 Aug 2025

Study maps factory farm hotspots as federal court tosses emissions lawsuit

Michigan’s toxic legacy: How a chemical plant’s error poisoned farms and generations of families

ST. LOUIS, Mich. — As a boy, Gary Smith would ride his bike with friends down a dirt road to a pit used by a chemical company to incinerate hazardous waste.

By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

/ 11 Jun 2025

Michigan’s toxic legacy: How a chemical plant’s error poisoned farms and generations of families

WOTUS: A narrowing EPA definition is reshaping the Clean Water Act

Many agricultural groups say they want a narrower scope when it comes to federal water regulations.

By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede

/ 15 May 2025

Even when EPA finds a pesticide cancer risk, agency rarely requires warnings

A Michigan dairy CAFO clash over manure digesters and clean water

Pesticides used near farm communities tied to rare but deadly childhood cancer

FOIA records reveal EPA leaders frequent meetings with industry lobbyists

Study maps factory farm hotspots as federal court tosses emissions lawsuit

Michigan’s toxic legacy: How a chemical plant’s error poisoned farms and generations of families

WOTUS: A narrowing EPA definition is reshaping the Clean Water Act

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