Why It Matters
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) confronts a critical challenge as the federal government rolls back chemical safety protections EWG spent two decades establishing. The EPA is weakening PFAS drinking water standards while House Republicans drafted legislation to weaken the Toxic Substances Control Act.
By the Numbers
The EWG reported $111,537 in in-house lobbying expenditures for final quarter 2025. It has maintained in-house lobbying since 2004, spending over $8.1 million on internal advocacy out of $10.6 million total lobbying investment. The filing represents EWG’s strategy of leveraging internal scientific expertise rather than hiring external consultants.
EWG has selectively partnered with firms including NVG LLC ($280,000), Thorn Run Partners ($390,000), and newly-hired ACG Advocacy LLC ($150,000) for specialized PFAS and food additive campaigns.
The Agenda
The Environmental Working Group didn’t disclose specific bills in its final quarter 2025 filing, but two decades of lobbying history reveal consistent priorities: chemical safety, particularly PFAS regulation and Toxic Substances Control Act modernization.
Food safety remains central, with EWG endorsing the Food Chemical Reassessment Act and Grocery Reform and Safety Act to close the "generally recognized as safe ) loophole" allowing manufacturers to self-certify ingredient safety.
Cosmetics modernization includes supporting the Toxic-Free Beauty Act and Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act.
Broader Context
Congress is simultaneously advancing chemical safety legislation while considering proposals to weaken existing protections. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held hearings on Toxic Substances Control Act modernization, while Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Rosa DeLauro reintroduced the Food Chemical Reassessment Act.
On PFAS, bipartisan action includes the Healthy H2O Act creating water filtration grants and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s DOD PFAS Discharge Prevention Act.
Between The Lines
Multiple bills aligned with EWG’s priorities are advancing. Representative Frank Pallone’s Grocery Reform and Safety Act targets the GRAS loophole, while comprehensive cosmetics packages include the Cosmetic Safety for Communities of Color Act.
Competitive Landscape
The National Association of Manufacturers provides primary opposition. Its final quarter 2025 filing shows $2.73 million lobbying on identical PFAS regulation and TSCA issues, creating a contested policy landscape requiring sustained environmental group presence.
The Bottom Line
EWG’s $111,537 fourth quarter spending continues two decades of federal advocacy on chemical and food safety. The organization faces well-funded industry opposition while Congress actively considers protective legislation on "forever chemicals," cosmetic safety, and food additive oversight—making EWG’s sustained presence strategically critical despite federal rollbacks.
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