Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
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MOAA SITREP: The Major Richard Star Act
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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MOAA SITREP: The Major Richard Star Act
MOAA continues its work to secure passage of the Major Richard Star Act during the 119th session of Congress. The bill would end an unjust pay offset faced by tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans who lose a dollar of earned military retirement pay for every dollar of VA disability they receive.
The Major Richard Star Act remains a high priority for MOAA and other advocacy groups represented in The Star Act Alliance. Contact your Contact your lawmaker
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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MOAA SITREP: The Major Richard Star Act
MOAA continues its work to secure passage of the Major Richard Star Act during the 119th session of Congress. The bill would end an unjust pay offset faced by tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans who lose a dollar of earned military retirement pay for every dollar of VA disability they receive.
The Major Richard Star Act remains a high priority for MOAA and other advocacy groups represented in The Star Act Alliance. Contact your Contact your lawmakertoday and demand a vote on the bill.
[RELATED: New Coalition Forms to End Unfair Pay Offset Facing Combat-Injured Veterans]
Why the Star Act Matters
This unfair pay offset, or "wounded veteran tax," targets a population already facing physical and financial challenges because of their time in uniform - ending the offset could mean an additional $1,200 a month, on average, for these wounded warriors.
The bill would not create a new benefit - instead, it would fix an oversight from 2004, when Congress ended the offset for wounded veterans who served at least 20 years in uniform.
Under the legislation, veterans would be able to choose between receiving their current compensation - DoD retirement pay and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) - or receiving their full DoD retirement and earned VA benefits. Of the more than 50,000 veterans eligible under the Major Richard Star Act, it's expected some may keep the tax-free CRSC, reducing the expected cost of the legislation (about $8 billion over 10 years).
[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Combat-Injured Veterans]
Star Act Resources
Learn more about the legislation, bust common myths about concurrent receipt, and more:
* MOAA Issue Paper (2025): The Major Richard Star Act (PDF download)
* MOAA.org Article (2025): Major Richard Star Act: Fact vs. Fiction
* Star Act Alliance: Bill Overview (PDF download) | Social Media Toolkit
* Wounded Warrior Project: Understanding the Major Richard Star Act
* Veterans of Foreign Wars: Advocacy Talking Points: Retirement and Military Personnel
* MOAA.org Article (2021): Maj. Richard Star, a Voice for Disabled Veterans, Loses Battle to Cancer
* MOAA.org Article (2024): Tonya Star, Widow of Maj. Richard Star, Dies at 51
Why Hasn't Congress Passed the Star Act?
Despite strong support in the form of cosponsorship, this bill has not been brought to the floor of either congressional chamber for a vote.
One reason may be the price: An estimated $8 billion over 10 years. MOAA believes the projection is far higher than the bill's actual cost - many eligible veterans may elect to continue receiving current benefits, for tax purposes and other reasons - but even the full $8 billion would amount to less than 0.1% of the annual federal defense budget.
Competing priorities across Capitol Hill and myths about the Star Act that continue to circulate have plagued efforts to move this bill across the finish line. Numerous partners in the veterans advocacy community will continue to work together to achieve this enduring priority - whether standalone passage or inclusion in a "must-pass" bill. These efforts extend beyond the Hill and into the halls of the Pentagon. Gaining support from Pentagon leadership is essential.
MOAA will keep reminding lawmakers that the cost of caring for our combat-injured veterans by passing the Star Act pales in comparison to the cost of breaking faith with those who sacrificed limbs, health, and futures in service to this nation. And what impact does this have on our ability to recruit an all-volunteer force from a population who has seen the most vulnerable warriors struggling?
Star Act Legislative History
119th Congress: The House version of the bill (H.R. 2102) had 313 cosponsors as of Jan. 29, 2026; the Senate version (S. 1032) had 77 cosponsors. The House bill was referred to House Veterans' Affairs Committee's disability assistance and memorial affairs panel in April 2025. The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee in March 2025.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on Oct. 8, 2025, for consideration of unanimous consent, but it was blocked by an objection. Text of the legislation was put forward as an amendment to the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the Senate but was not included in the final bill.
118th Congress: The House version of the bill had 326 cosponsors at the end of the session. It was placed on the House's Union Calendar (for scheduling bills with financial components) but did not reach the House floor. The Senate version had 74 cosponsors at the end of the session; it was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee in February 2023, about a month into the session, and did not advance further.
117th Congress: The House version of the bill had 335 cosponsors at the end of the session. It was placed on the House's Consensus Calendar (for bills that have met a certain sponsorship threshold but have not received floor consideration) on Oct. 25, 2022, but did not reach the House floor. The Senate version had 66 cosponsors at the end of the session; it was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee in March 2021 and did not advance further.
116th Congress: The House version of the bill had 101 cosponsors at the end of the session. It was referred to the House Veterans Affairs' Committee panel on disability assistance and memorial affairs in March 2020 and did not advance from that committee. The Senate version had 31 cosponsors at the end of the session; it was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee in March 2020 and did not advance further.
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2026-news-articles/benefits/moaa-sitrep-the-major-richard-star-act/
[Category: National Defense]
Atlantic Croaker Stock Assessment Workshop Scheduled for March 2-6, 2026 in Arlington, VA
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 31 -- The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:
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Atlantic Croaker Stock Assessment Workshop Scheduled for March 2-6, 2026 in Arlington, VA
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will hold the Atlantic Croaker Benchmark Stock Assessment Workshop at the Commission's office, 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA. The stock assessment will evaluate the health of Atlantic croaker stocks and inform management of this species. The Commission's stock assessment process and meetings are open
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 31 -- The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:
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Atlantic Croaker Stock Assessment Workshop Scheduled for March 2-6, 2026 in Arlington, VA
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will hold the Atlantic Croaker Benchmark Stock Assessment Workshop at the Commission's office, 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA. The stock assessment will evaluate the health of Atlantic croaker stocks and inform management of this species. The Commission's stock assessment process and meetings are opento the public, with the exception of discussions of confidential data*, when the public will be asked to leave the room.
The Stock Assessment Workshop will focus on evaluation of models and analyses developed to estimate stock status. The Commission welcomes the submission of models from the public that will improve the stock assessment. The deadline for submission of alternate models is Friday, February 20, 2026. For alternate models to be considered, the model description, inputs, and complete source code must be provided to Jeff Kipp, Senior Stock Assessment Scientist, at jkipp@asmfc.org by February 20, 2026. Any models submitted without complete, editable source code and input files will not be considered.
Specifically, the workshop will focus on addressing the following stock assessment terms of reference:
* Develop models used to estimate population parameters (e.g., fishing mortality, biomass, abundance) and biological reference points, and analyze model performance.
* Characterize uncertainty of model estimates and biological or empirical reference points.
* Recommend stock status as related to reference points (if available).
* Compare stock status and management advice from the assessment with the results of the traffic light analysis currently used for management. If outcomes differ, discuss potential causes of observed discrepancies and preferred method.
The final step in the stock assessment process will be the Peer Review Workshop, where an independent panel of fishery scientists will review the assessment for its appropriateness to advise future management of Atlantic croaker. Once the Peer Review has been scheduled, a press release will be issued with the Workshop details.
A workshop agenda will be posted in the coming weeks at https://asmfc.org/events/atlantic-croaker-stock-assessment-workshop/. For more information about the assessment or attending the March workshop (space will be limited), please contact Tracey Bauer, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at tbauer@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
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* Each state and federal agency is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of its data and deciding who has access to its confidential data. In the case of our stock assessments and peer reviews, all analysts and, if necessary, reviewers, have been granted permission by the appropriate agency to use and view confidential data. When the assessment team needs to show and discuss these data, observers to our stock assessment process are asked to leave the room to preserve confidentiality.
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Original text here: https://asmfc.org/news/press-releases/atlantic-croaker-stock-assessment-workshop-scheduled-for-march-2-6-2026-in-arlington-va/
[Category: Environment]
Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) Supports ACIP Vaccine Panel Chairman, Kirk Milhoan, M.D.
TUCSON, Arizona, Jan. 31 -- The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons issued the following statement on Jan. 30, 2026:
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Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) Supports ACIP Vaccine Panel Chairman, Kirk Milhoan, M.D.
In response to a January 23 New York Times article strongly criticizing pediatric cardiologist Kirk Milhoan, M.D., appointed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to chair the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) issued the following statement:
A New York Times article accuses
... Show Full Article
TUCSON, Arizona, Jan. 31 -- The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons issued the following statement on Jan. 30, 2026:
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Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) Supports ACIP Vaccine Panel Chairman, Kirk Milhoan, M.D.
In response to a January 23 New York Times article strongly criticizing pediatric cardiologist Kirk Milhoan, M.D., appointed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to chair the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) issued the following statement:
A New York Times article accusesthe recently appointed chairman of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), pediatric cardiologist Kirk Milhoan, M.D., of "rejecting decades of science" in holding that polio and other vaccines should be optional, offered only in consultation with a clinician.
The article implies that children will die of horrific diseases if informed consent for vaccines is required. It quotes Dr. Sean O'Leary, chair of the infectious disease committee at the American Academy of Pediatrics, in claiming that informed consent is "an ideological agenda not grounded in science."
In fact, consent is a bedrock principle of medical ethics. According to established law, treating a patient without consent is medical battery. According to scientific principles, there is no "established science": conclusions are always tentative and must change if evidence indicates.
Physicians following the Oath of Hippocrates swear not to harm individual patients. A public-health ethic, on the other hand, holds that individuals may be sacrificed for a hypothetical benefit to others.
All medical interventions can cause harm. There are both risks and benefits, which may differ greatly between individuals and at different times. Serious adverse effects of vaccines, including death, may have been systematically underreported. At present, the risk of paralysis from a vaccine may be greater than the risk from polio.
ACIP should be thoroughly and objectively evaluating evidence, including that which has been used to claim safety and efficacy. A conclusion that cannot be challenged is religious, not scientific.
Physicians should advise patients to the best of their ability, not defer to a remote nonaccountable bureaucrat. But the decision belongs to the patient, who has an inalienable right to life and liberty.
Dr. Milhoan is on solid ground, scientifically and ethically.
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The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) is a national organization representing physicians in all specialties since 1943. It promotes and defends the practice of private medicine and traditional medical ethics. Its motto "omnia pro aegroto" means "everything for the patient." It publishes the peer-reviewed quarterly Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.
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Original text here: https://aapsonline.org/the-association-of-american-physicians-and-surgeons-aaps-supports-acip-vaccine-panel-chairman-kirk-milhoan-m-d/
[Category: Medical]
Access: Behind the Screens' to Share Career Insights for Tomorrow's Media World When 'Entertainment Meets Entrepreneurship
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Television Academy Foundation issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:
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Access: Behind the Screens' to share career insights for tomorrow's media world when 'Entertainment Meets Entrepreneurship
Television Academy Foundation's national program 'Access: Behind the Screens' to share career insights for tomorrow's media world when 'Entertainment Meets Entrepreneurship'
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The Television Academy Foundation today announced it will present the next offering in its series of free, national virtual events for students and early career professionals: "Access:
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Television Academy Foundation issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:
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Access: Behind the Screens' to share career insights for tomorrow's media world when 'Entertainment Meets Entrepreneurship
Television Academy Foundation's national program 'Access: Behind the Screens' to share career insights for tomorrow's media world when 'Entertainment Meets Entrepreneurship'
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The Television Academy Foundation today announced it will present the next offering in its series of free, national virtual events for students and early career professionals: "Access:Behind the Screens -- Entertainment Meets Entrepreneurship" on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. - noon PST / 2 - 3 p.m. EST.
The live discussion will focus on how today's media landscape demands more than creative excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, emerging professionals must learn to think like entrepreneurs as well as artists -- developing the business acumen, adaptability and strategic mindset needed to bring ideas to life and sustain careers over the long term. From developing IP strategies to forging strategic partnerships and tapping into emerging technologies, participants will gain practical tools to expand reach, diversify revenue and future-proof their creative work in this virtual classroom. By understanding how to build brands, navigate emerging platforms and turn innovation into opportunity, aspiring creators are better prepared to lead -- not just participate -- in the future of television and media.
The featured guest for "Access: Behind the Screens -- Entertainment Meets Entrepreneurship" is the founder and CEO of Collective Moxie, Julie Ann Crommett. At Collective Moxie, a global storytelling, media-strategy and audience-engagement agency, she advises top studios, brands and creatives on innovative strategies that reshape industries by driving transformative change at the intersection of entertainment, business and culture. Previously, Crommett led multicultural audience engagement at Disney, influencing billion-dollar hits like Encanto, Black Panther and Raya and the Last Dragon and spearheaded global DEI initiatives at Google and NBCUniversal. Christina Lee Storm, co-founder of Playbook PLBK and head of studio, narrative, at AI-native studio Secret Level, will moderate.
"Today's creators must be as fluent in entrepreneurship as they are in storytelling," said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. "This event is designed to give those entering the entertainment industry an insider's view of how creative vision, business strategy and innovation intersect in today's media careers. Our goal is to equip emerging creators with the tools, confidence and mindset needed to lead in a rapidly changing media landscape."
"Creativity is powerful, but ownership and strategy are what allow that creativity to travel, scale and endure," said Crommett. "In this rapidly changing landscape, we're all needing to be entrepreneurial; and that creates challenges but also opens up a world of possibility."
Access: Behind the Screens is the Foundation's education program that offers behind-the-scenes access to the television industry through master-class workshops and panel discussions with top industry professionals.
Students can register for the online discussion at TelevisionAcademy.com/access-bts/register.
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About Collective Moxie
Collective Moxie is a media-strategy and global-storytelling firm specializing in storytelling strategy, media consulting, audience engagement and culturally fluent communications. The company partners with brands, creatives and organizations -- including RIOT Games, Disney, Artists Equity, Sony, The Nature Conservancy, Trilith Studios and the Motion Picture Association -- to develop narratives that are clear, impactful and strategically aligned with audience behavior and cultural shifts. For more information, visit collectivemoxie.com.
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Original text here: https://www.televisionacademy.com/features/news/foundation-news/260129-access-entrepreneurship
[Category: Entertainment Industry]
ASA Welcomes SEC-CFTC Crypto Harmonization
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on Jan. 30, 2026:
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ASA Welcomes SEC-CFTC Crypto Harmonization
The American Securities Association (ASA) today applauded Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig for holding a roundtable to discuss crypto regulatory harmonization.
"ASA applauds Chairmen Atkins and Selig for coming together to ensure that America remains the clear leader in all facets of capital markets innovation," said ASA President and CEO Chris
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on Jan. 30, 2026:
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ASA Welcomes SEC-CFTC Crypto Harmonization
The American Securities Association (ASA) today applauded Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig for holding a roundtable to discuss crypto regulatory harmonization.
"ASA applauds Chairmen Atkins and Selig for coming together to ensure that America remains the clear leader in all facets of capital markets innovation," said ASA President and CEO ChrisIacovella. "We look forward to working with the leadership at both agencies to create a level regulatory playing field for all market participants that embraces digital assets while maintaining necessary investor protections."
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The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-welcomes-sec-cftc-crypto-harmonization
[Category: Financial Services]
ALTA Renews SoftPro as Elite Provider for 2026
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release:
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ALTA Renews SoftPro as Elite Provider for 2026
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, announced it has renewed SoftPro as an ALTA Elite Provider for 2026. This is the 11th year ALTA has named SoftPro as an Elite Provider.
The ALTA Elite Provider Program features distinguished service providers committed to furnishing extensive benefits to the title insurance and settlement services industry. ALTA Elite Providers promote
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release:
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ALTA Renews SoftPro as Elite Provider for 2026
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, announced it has renewed SoftPro as an ALTA Elite Provider for 2026. This is the 11th year ALTA has named SoftPro as an Elite Provider.
The ALTA Elite Provider Program features distinguished service providers committed to furnishing extensive benefits to the title insurance and settlement services industry. ALTA Elite Providers promotethe highest industry standards and provide effective solutions for ALTA members' critical needs.
"The ALTA Elite Provider Program recognizes service providers that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the title insurance industry and the professionals who serve consumers every day," ALTA CEO Chris Morton said. "Elite Providers like SoftPro deliver reliable solutions, uphold high industry standards and help ALTA members operate more efficiently in a complex and evolving marketplace."
Known for providing award-winning closing and title production solutions since 1984, SoftPro designs software that streamlines workflows and efficiency for settlement professionals nationwide. SoftPro's software meets ALTA Best Practices--Technology & Services guidelines, supporting users in maintaining compliance and operations. SoftPro has been recognized for its customer support and commitment to its users.
SoftPro offers 20 percent off any new license fees for current ALTA members through the ALTA Elite Provider program.
For more information about the Elite Provider program or to apply, please visit www.alta.org/elite.
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About ALTA
The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, represents an industry comprised of more than 17,000 title insurance companies operating across the nation, with over 90% being small businesses.
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Original text here: https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/press-release/ALTA-Renews-SoftPro-as-Elite-Provider-for-2026
[Category: Real Estate]
ADA Urges EPA to Use Peer-reviewed, Scientifically Tested Evidence in Latest Review Process
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 31 -- American Dental Association issued the following news release:
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ADA Urges EPA to Use Peer-reviewed, Scientifically Tested Evidence in Latest Review Process
The American Dental Association (ADA) remains committed to the oral health benefits of optimally fluoridated water. Good oral health depends on nutrition, proper hygiene, regular dental visits and optimally fluoridated water. Eighty years of evidence show community water fluoridation is safe, effective, and reduces tooth decay.
"As the EPA reviews the science under the Safe Drinking Water Act, we urge Administrator
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 31 -- American Dental Association issued the following news release:
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ADA Urges EPA to Use Peer-reviewed, Scientifically Tested Evidence in Latest Review Process
The American Dental Association (ADA) remains committed to the oral health benefits of optimally fluoridated water. Good oral health depends on nutrition, proper hygiene, regular dental visits and optimally fluoridated water. Eighty years of evidence show community water fluoridation is safe, effective, and reduces tooth decay.
"As the EPA reviews the science under the Safe Drinking Water Act, we urge AdministratorZeldin and his team to implement an objective, evidence-based process utilizing all the latest peer-reviewed, valid and reproducible research on IQ and neurocognition to reach an objective conclusion," said Richard Rosato, D.M.D., president of the American Dental Association. "The ADA and leading scientific experts continue to affirm that optimally fluoridated water is a proven, safe, and effective way to protect the public's oral health."
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin's announcement to reconsider the health impacts of fluoride in drinking water with a review of new scientific information was initially encouraging for reaffirming a safe public health practice of fluoridating water. However, their exclusion of recently published studies that refute the claim that there is a negative association between fluoridated water and cognitive abilities jeopardizes the validity of the scientific methodology and ultimately their findings. Even worse, the inclusion of questionable studies that use invalid measurements and suspicious datasets will not provide an accurate assessment and will likely lead to a flawed conclusion.
"While this is the preliminary stage assessment, the ADA is hopeful that the EPA will use peer-reviewed, scientifically tested evidence rather than biased, mischaracterized studies that use flawed datasets and do not stand-up to scientific rigor during the next assessment phase," says Dr. Rosato. "We look forward to continued dialogue with the Trump Administration and Administrator Zeldin on this important public health issue."
Under discussion currently within the EPA is the procedure and process for developing a new report. Previously cited research during an ongoing lawsuit utilized weak evidence in the National Toxicology Program report and did not pertain to the practice of fluoridation in the U.S. and Canada at 0.7 mg/L. The NTP report also did not conclude with any certainty that water fluoridated at low levels is injurious to public health.
The ADA submitted written comments to the EPA last June 2025 and is planning to submit additional information this year. The ADA's primary concern is the requirement that the EPA follow its own standard review protocols to prevent biased analysis. The EPA should also exclude research published in non-peer reviewed, outlets, and other research whose authors will not allow access to the data, methodology or findings to the entire scientific community of experts.
For more information on community water fluoridation and ADA advocacy, visit ADA.org/fluoride.
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About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 159,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance has long been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), published monthly, is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org.
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Original text here: https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/ada-urges-epa-to-use-peer-reviewed
[Category: Dentistry]
