The Big Story 

A federal judge has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address the potential impacts of fluoride in drinking water on IQ levels. 

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In a new ruling this week, Obama-appointed judge Edward Chen ordered the EPA to take regulatory action over the issue. 

Chen wrote that “a preponderance of the evidence” shows that there is an “unreasonable risk” stemming from fluoride in drinking water.

Specifically, he wrote that there is “ample support” in the scientific record that the U.S. population is at risk of losing over four IQ points due to fluoride exposure. 

Fluoride is intentionally added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. About 200 million Americans drink water with added fluoride. 

The substance’s health impact has been the subject of significant debate.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program found in August that higher levels of fluoride exposure is linked to lower IQs in children. 

But, following that report, the American Academy of Pediatrics stood by its recommendation in favor of adding fluoride to water and toothpaste. 

Read more at TheHill.com.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, we’re Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.

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