Arrr! Biden and his scurvy crew be sendin' me grand plan to spare the bunnies to Davy Jones' locker!
2023-12-19
Avast ye scurvy scallywags! In my days at the EPA, I fought tooth and peg leg to put an end to the cruel trials faced by our furry mates. But alas, that Biden be a hornswagglin' landlubber! He be reversin' me wise decision, denyin' even the chance for these fine critters to enjoy a well-deserved retirement from their dreaded tests. Arrr, 'tis a sad day for our four-legged mates!
As the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2018-2021, the author implemented a plan to phase out testing on animals by 2035 in favor of more effective and humane methods. This plan also included retiring healthy animals that were no longer needed for research. However, the Biden administration has undone some of this work, which is disheartening to the author.It is widely acknowledged that animal testing is not a reliable method for predicting human outcomes. Alternative methods such as computer models and organs-on-chips are faster, more precise, and less expensive. In 2007, the National Academies reported that animal testing was not efficient or effective and that modern technologies were the future.
Despite the benefits of moving away from animal testing, it remains a costly and outdated practice. The author believes that change is possible and points to the EPA's efforts from 2012-2018, which spared over 200,000 animals and saved millions of dollars. Animal testing involves subjecting animals to high doses of chemicals, causing pain and death.
During their tenure, the author signed a directive to reduce animal testing at the EPA and set a goal to eliminate it entirely by 2035. They also provided funding to universities working on alternative testing methods and worked towards reforming testing regulations. On their final day in office, the author pardoned bunny rabbits used in EPA studies.
However, the Biden administration has eliminated the benchmarks for reducing animal tests and plans to continue using animals for testing. Environmental groups and some scientists have also opposed the author's plan. The author argues that new technologies, such as organs-on-chips, are available and will only improve over time.
The author believes that progress can be made through political will and bipartisan support. They conclude by stating that the Biden administration is on the wrong side of animal testing history and that it is time to eliminate cruel and wasteful testing practices.