local
EPA approves pesticides that may be considered 'forever chemicals,' though it disputes that label
By Rachel Frazin and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
The Trump administration has approved three new pesticides that may be considered “forever chemicals” under an international definition, though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is disputing the characterization.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The EPA's approval of these new pesticides raises concerns for El Paso residents, particularly those living near agricultural areas where these chemicals may be used. El Paso County's agricultural industry is a significant part of the local economy, and the use of these pesticides could have long-term implications for the region's soil and water quality. The fact that these chemicals may persist in the environment for extended periods of time, earning them the label of "forever chemicals," suggests that their impact could be felt for generations to come. As the city and county continue to grow and develop, the potential risks associated with these pesticides will need to be carefully considered and monitored to ensure the health and well-being of El Paso's residents and the environment. The city's water sources, including the Rio Grande, could be particularly vulnerable to contamination.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The El Paso stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Trump administration has approved three new pesticides that may be considered “forever chemicals” under an international definition, though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is disputing the characterization.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rachel Frazin and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter