Trump Admin Eliminating Animal Testing in EPA, Shifting to New Options That Are Faster and More Accurate
The Environmental Protection Agency is on a fast track toward eliminating animal testing, according to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
“The Trump EPA is eliminating animal testing by accelerating the shift to modern, gold standard science,” Zeldin posted on X.
“Today, we are announcing 13 new high-quality alternatives to animal testing that will deliver faster, more accurate scientific results,” he wrote.
The Trump EPA is eliminating animal testing by accelerating the shift to modern, gold standard science. Today, we are announcing 13 new high-quality alternatives to animal testing that will deliver faster, more accurate scientific results. https://t.co/0HQgSHD5lG pic.twitter.com/SEUjJPDty9
— Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) June 2, 2026
The EPA had been moving in this direction, but the Biden administration eliminated deadlines to end animal testing, “delaying scientific progress on developing alternatives that would save more animals from experimentation,” EPA said in a news release.
The first Trump administration set 2035 as the goal date to end animal testing. Despite the Biden administration’s efforts, Zeldin said the goal remains.
The EPA said it is updating what are known as New Approach Methods for assessing the impact of chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
The release said new techniques such as “human cell models and advanced computer-based methods” will help the agency “identify hazards and exposures faster and often with results that are more relevant to people, not laboratory animals.”
“Last year, EPA used high-quality alternative scientific methods to animal testing in its cancer evaluations for dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate for the first time ever, sparing an estimated 1,600 mice and rats from undergoing lab experiments,” the release said.
“When the Trump Administration makes a commitment, we deliver. With today’s announcement, we’re accelerating the shift to modern, gold standard science — without the use of animal testing — by using new, innovative methods to review chemicals,” Zeldin said.
“By broadening high-quality alternatives and inviting strong new candidates, we can deliver faster, more protective decisions while reducing animal testing.”
I fought to expose Fauci’s taxpayer-funded torture of beagles. I’m glad @epaleezeldin is ending this terrible practice and protecting innocent animals.https://t.co/jMawYWMMjv pic.twitter.com/acB5qLl2kc
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) June 3, 2026
The agency has also reached out to researchers to propose methods for consideration as methods to avoid animal testing.
“Stakeholders bring cutting-edge science, real-world data, and fit-for-purpose methods tailored to specific chemicals and use patterns, helping close data gaps and improve accuracy,” the release said.
“This open, gold-standard, science-driven pathway will grow the toolbox of reliable alternatives, improve transparency, reduce animal testing, and help deliver clearer, faster, and more predictable chemical safety decisions that support innovation and U.S. competitiveness,” the release said.
The release noted that new approaches “advance humane science by reducing and replacing animal use — without sacrificing quality.”
Further, they “deliver results more quickly and often with greater human relevance, helping EPA catch real risks sooner and protect workers, communities, and consumers.”
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