Sharon Lerner
@fastlerner.bsky.social
Environmental reporter at ProPublica. Brooklynite. Fan of nature, facts, pie
Pinned
Under Former Chemical Industry Insiders, Trump EPA Nearly Doubles Amount of Formaldehyde Considered Safe to Inhale
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or...
www.propublica.org
NEW: Last year we found the acceptable level of exposure to formaldehyde set by the EPA left people at risk for cancer.
Now the Trump administration has roughly doubled it
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
Now the Trump administration has roughly doubled it
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
If you read nothing else today... just make sure you have some time to grieve
They also maintained nobody has died because of the USAID cuts. Here’s our reporting from Kenya, where we found that isn’t true, with 📸 by @storitellah.com www.propublica.org/article/keny...
After Trump Officials Cut Food Aid to Kenya, Children Starved to Death
“Brutal and traumatizing”: Interviews and a trove of internal documents show government officials and aid workers desperately tried to warn Trump advisers about impending disaster and death.
www.propublica.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:13 PM
If you read nothing else today... just make sure you have some time to grieve
This devastating piece destroys the lie that no one died as the result of this administration's cuts to USAID.
In South Sudan countless people died from cholera after US cut off money, as @annamaria.bsky.social and Brett Murphy report
www.propublica.org/article/usai...
In South Sudan countless people died from cholera after US cut off money, as @annamaria.bsky.social and Brett Murphy report
www.propublica.org/article/usai...
Trump Officials Celebrated With Cake After Slashing Aid. Then People Died of Cholera.
Behind closed doors in Washington, top advisers made a series of decisions that had devastating repercussions for the poorest country on earth. We went to South Sudan and found people who died as a re...
www.propublica.org
December 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM
This devastating piece destroys the lie that no one died as the result of this administration's cuts to USAID.
In South Sudan countless people died from cholera after US cut off money, as @annamaria.bsky.social and Brett Murphy report
www.propublica.org/article/usai...
In South Sudan countless people died from cholera after US cut off money, as @annamaria.bsky.social and Brett Murphy report
www.propublica.org/article/usai...
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
In a highly unusual move, the EPA is revising an assessment of the health dangers posed by formaldehyde, a widespread pollutant that causes far more cancer than any other chemical in the air.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
Under Former Chemical Industry Insiders, Trump EPA Nearly Doubles Amount of Formaldehyde Considered Safe to Inhale
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or...
www.propublica.org
December 15, 2025 at 1:00 AM
In a highly unusual move, the EPA is revising an assessment of the health dangers posed by formaldehyde, a widespread pollutant that causes far more cancer than any other chemical in the air.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
The Trump EPA has nearly doubled the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale compared with a Biden-era assessment, which had already significantly underestimated the dangers of the chemical, a ProPublica investigation found.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
Under Former Chemical Industry Insiders, Trump EPA Nearly Doubles Amount of Formaldehyde Considered Safe to Inhale
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or...
www.propublica.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:00 AM
The Trump EPA has nearly doubled the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale compared with a Biden-era assessment, which had already significantly underestimated the dangers of the chemical, a ProPublica investigation found.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
Also noting that the Trump administration is taking a similar approach with radiation
An executive order on radiation that Trump issued in May criticized the linear method of assessing cancer risk and directed the NRC to consider adopting new exposure limits
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
An executive order on radiation that Trump issued in May criticized the linear method of assessing cancer risk and directed the NRC to consider adopting new exposure limits
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
Under Former Chemical Industry Insiders, Trump EPA Nearly Doubles Amount of Formaldehyde Considered Safe to Inhale
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or...
www.propublica.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Also noting that the Trump administration is taking a similar approach with radiation
An executive order on radiation that Trump issued in May criticized the linear method of assessing cancer risk and directed the NRC to consider adopting new exposure limits
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
An executive order on radiation that Trump issued in May criticized the linear method of assessing cancer risk and directed the NRC to consider adopting new exposure limits
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
Community health centers were created to be medical safety nets for people who struggle to afford primary care.
But we found that several are suing patients and garnishing their paychecks – which experts say contradicts their mission.
www.propublica.org/article/fede...
But we found that several are suing patients and garnishing their paychecks – which experts say contradicts their mission.
www.propublica.org/article/fede...
These Health Centers Are Supposed to Make Care Affordable. One Has Sued Patients for as Little as $59 in Unpaid Bills.
Federally funded community health centers receive grants in exchange for serving patients regardless of their ability to pay. But ProPublica found at least five across the country garnishing patients’...
www.propublica.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Community health centers were created to be medical safety nets for people who struggle to afford primary care.
But we found that several are suing patients and garnishing their paychecks – which experts say contradicts their mission.
www.propublica.org/article/fede...
But we found that several are suing patients and garnishing their paychecks – which experts say contradicts their mission.
www.propublica.org/article/fede...
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
"You signed one document attesting that a property in Michigan would be your primary residence for the next year. Two weeks later, you signed another..." Trump wrote. "It is inconceivable that you were not aware of your first commitment when making the second.”
🤔
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
🤔
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:33 PM
"You signed one document attesting that a property in Michigan would be your primary residence for the next year. Two weeks later, you signed another..." Trump wrote. "It is inconceivable that you were not aware of your first commitment when making the second.”
🤔
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
🤔
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
NEW:
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
w/ @robert-faturechi.bsky.social @amierjeski.bsky.social
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
w/ @robert-faturechi.bsky.social @amierjeski.bsky.social
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 12:32 PM
NEW:
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
w/ @robert-faturechi.bsky.social @amierjeski.bsky.social
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
w/ @robert-faturechi.bsky.social @amierjeski.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or use them. Their wish has come true. @fastlerner.bsky.social
Under Former Chemical Industry Insiders, Trump EPA Nearly Doubles Amount of Formaldehyde Considered Safe to Inhale
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or use them. Their wish has come true. @fastlerner.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
An influential Greek cardiologist who has helped shaped the global debate on vaping was paid thousands of euros from ecig giant Juul via an offshore company he co-owns, myself, @ebersi.bsky.social and @stephanehorel.bsky.social can reveal www.theexamination.org/articles/juu...
‘Independent’ expert who helped shape global vaping debate was paid thousands by Juul
A Greek physician who has extensively studied nicotine was paid by Juul to lobby against Israeli vaping regulations. He didn’t disclose the payment in his research.
www.theexamination.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:26 AM
An influential Greek cardiologist who has helped shaped the global debate on vaping was paid thousands of euros from ecig giant Juul via an offshore company he co-owns, myself, @ebersi.bsky.social and @stephanehorel.bsky.social can reveal www.theexamination.org/articles/juu...
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
The chemical industry finally got its wish.
Under the leadership of former chemical industry insiders, Trump's EPA nearly doubles the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, by @fastlerner.bsky.social
Under the leadership of former chemical industry insiders, Trump's EPA nearly doubles the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, by @fastlerner.bsky.social
Under Former Chemical Industry Insiders, Trump EPA Nearly Doubles Amount of Formaldehyde Considered Safe to Inhale
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The chemical industry finally got its wish.
Under the leadership of former chemical industry insiders, Trump's EPA nearly doubles the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, by @fastlerner.bsky.social
Under the leadership of former chemical industry insiders, Trump's EPA nearly doubles the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, by @fastlerner.bsky.social
So pleased to go back on @climatepod.bsky.social where the conversation always teaches me things ❤️
New episode!
@fastlerner.bsky.social on the human costs of the US' anti-green agenda
Listen with the links below.
iOS: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/29qT...
@fastlerner.bsky.social on the human costs of the US' anti-green agenda
Listen with the links below.
iOS: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/29qT...
The Human Costs Of The US Anti-Green Agenda (w/ Sharon Lerner)
Podcast Episode · The Climate Pod · 12/03/2025 · 49m
podcasts.apple.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:19 PM
So pleased to go back on @climatepod.bsky.social where the conversation always teaches me things ❤️
NEW: Last year we found the acceptable level of exposure to formaldehyde set by the EPA left people at risk for cancer.
Now the Trump administration has roughly doubled it
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
Now the Trump administration has roughly doubled it
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
Under Former Chemical Industry Insiders, Trump EPA Nearly Doubles Amount of Formaldehyde Considered Safe to Inhale
Chemical industry lobbyists have long pushed the government to adopt a less stringent approach to gauging the cancer risk from chemicals, one that would help ease regulations on companies that make or...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:49 AM
NEW: Last year we found the acceptable level of exposure to formaldehyde set by the EPA left people at risk for cancer.
Now the Trump administration has roughly doubled it
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
Now the Trump administration has roughly doubled it
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
“Given Trump’s position on situations like this, he’s going to either need to fire himself or refer himself to the Department of Justice"
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:38 AM
“Given Trump’s position on situations like this, he’s going to either need to fire himself or refer himself to the Department of Justice"
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Well that's pretty clear...
“They were rentals from the beginning," said Wyner. "President Trump never lived there.”
Great story by @robert-faturechi.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
“They were rentals from the beginning," said Wyner. "President Trump never lived there.”
Great story by @robert-faturechi.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Well that's pretty clear...
“They were rentals from the beginning," said Wyner. "President Trump never lived there.”
Great story by @robert-faturechi.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
“They were rentals from the beginning," said Wyner. "President Trump never lived there.”
Great story by @robert-faturechi.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Family separations are back, only now they are happening all across the country...
Since the start of this year, some 600 immigrant children have been placed in government shelters by ICE
😞
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
Since the start of this year, some 600 immigrant children have been placed in government shelters by ICE
😞
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
ICE Sent 600 Immigrant Kids to Detention in Federal Shelters This Year. It’s a New Record.
Under a zero tolerance policy, the first Trump administration separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. New data suggests separations are happening all over the count...
www.propublica.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Family separations are back, only now they are happening all across the country...
Since the start of this year, some 600 immigrant children have been placed in government shelters by ICE
😞
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
Since the start of this year, some 600 immigrant children have been placed in government shelters by ICE
😞
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
Increasing temperatures are already killing huge numbers of people.
A ProPublica and @us.theguardian.com analysis found that Trump’s “America First” agenda is expected to add substantially to the toll, with the vast majority of deaths occurring outside the U.S.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
A ProPublica and @us.theguardian.com analysis found that Trump’s “America First” agenda is expected to add substantially to the toll, with the vast majority of deaths occurring outside the U.S.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
Trump’s Anti-Green Agenda Could Lead to 1.3 Million More Climate Deaths. The Poorest Countries Will Be Impacted Most.
Most of the people expected to suffer these temperature-related deaths live in poor countries in Africa and South Asia that are least prepared to cope with the increasing heat from climate change.
www.propublica.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Increasing temperatures are already killing huge numbers of people.
A ProPublica and @us.theguardian.com analysis found that Trump’s “America First” agenda is expected to add substantially to the toll, with the vast majority of deaths occurring outside the U.S.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
A ProPublica and @us.theguardian.com analysis found that Trump’s “America First” agenda is expected to add substantially to the toll, with the vast majority of deaths occurring outside the U.S.
By @fastlerner.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
'Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has made Tehran impossible to sustain'
#Iran 🇮🇷
#Iran 🇮🇷
Iran president says capital move now a necessity as water crisis deepens
Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has mad...
www.iranintl.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:52 AM
'Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has made Tehran impossible to sustain'
#Iran 🇮🇷
#Iran 🇮🇷
what really turned my stomach: Nuzzi’s repeated use of climate-fueled wildfire as atmospheric mood lighting for her emotional affair with a man who helped bring a climate-denying administration into power
@emorwee.bsky.social on how every story can be a climate story ❤️
heated.world/p/climate-di...
@emorwee.bsky.social on how every story can be a climate story ❤️
heated.world/p/climate-di...
Climate disaster is not ambiance
Especially not for an illicit affair with a politician who helped a climate-denying administration come to power.
heated.world
November 21, 2025 at 1:27 PM
what really turned my stomach: Nuzzi’s repeated use of climate-fueled wildfire as atmospheric mood lighting for her emotional affair with a man who helped bring a climate-denying administration into power
@emorwee.bsky.social on how every story can be a climate story ❤️
heated.world/p/climate-di...
@emorwee.bsky.social on how every story can be a climate story ❤️
heated.world/p/climate-di...
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
The 1.3M figure is an underestimate. “It does not include the massive number of deaths expected from the broader effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, wars, vector-borne diseases, hurricanes, wildfires and reduced crop yields.”
Or deaths from additional co-pollutants.
Or deaths from additional co-pollutants.
about to go on @kalwradio.bsky.social to talk about this story
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Yes, it's upsetting. More people will die as a result of the additional GHG gases the US has just decided to emit, BUT the math works the other way, too.
If we cut emissions, that will saves lives
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Yes, it's upsetting. More people will die as a result of the additional GHG gases the US has just decided to emit, BUT the math works the other way, too.
If we cut emissions, that will saves lives
Trump’s Anti-Green Agenda Could Lead to 1.3 Million More Climate Deaths. The Poorest Countries Will Be Impacted Most.
Most of the people expected to suffer these temperature-related deaths live in poor countries in Africa and South Asia that are least prepared to cope with the increasing heat from climate change.
www.propublica.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The 1.3M figure is an underestimate. “It does not include the massive number of deaths expected from the broader effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, wars, vector-borne diseases, hurricanes, wildfires and reduced crop yields.”
Or deaths from additional co-pollutants.
Or deaths from additional co-pollutants.
about to go on @kalwradio.bsky.social to talk about this story
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Yes, it's upsetting. More people will die as a result of the additional GHG gases the US has just decided to emit, BUT the math works the other way, too.
If we cut emissions, that will saves lives
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Yes, it's upsetting. More people will die as a result of the additional GHG gases the US has just decided to emit, BUT the math works the other way, too.
If we cut emissions, that will saves lives
Trump’s Anti-Green Agenda Could Lead to 1.3 Million More Climate Deaths. The Poorest Countries Will Be Impacted Most.
Most of the people expected to suffer these temperature-related deaths live in poor countries in Africa and South Asia that are least prepared to cope with the increasing heat from climate change.
www.propublica.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
about to go on @kalwradio.bsky.social to talk about this story
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Yes, it's upsetting. More people will die as a result of the additional GHG gases the US has just decided to emit, BUT the math works the other way, too.
If we cut emissions, that will saves lives
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Yes, it's upsetting. More people will die as a result of the additional GHG gases the US has just decided to emit, BUT the math works the other way, too.
If we cut emissions, that will saves lives
Reposted by Sharon Lerner
Sacrificial lamb. We haven't forgotten what really happened. By @rothandrew.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
What happened to Jamal Khashoggi? Trump resurfaces memories of journalist’s brutal murder
President’s claim that Mohammed bin Salman had nothing to do with 2018 killing contradicts US intelligence
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Sacrificial lamb. We haven't forgotten what really happened. By @rothandrew.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...