FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2026
OLIN CORPORATION WITHDRAWS FROM INDUSTRY LEGAL CHALLENGE TO OVERTURN EPA’S CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS RULE
Olin Decision to Exit Industry Case Demonstrates Leadership and Commitment to Public Health
OLIN’S STIPULATION OF WITHDRAWAL AGREEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-related diseases, today reacted to news that Olin Corporation filed a notice withdrawing from the chemical industry cases challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Part 1 Chrysotile Asbestos rule in Texas Chemistry Council v. EPA (Case No. 24-60193).
“Olin’s decision to withdraw is an act of corporate leadership that recognizes that industry’s continued opposition to a ban of this dangerous substance is irresponsible and that, after millions of asbestos-related deaths in the U.S. and globally, any use of asbestos is indefensible,” said Linda Reinstein, President and CEO of ADAO. “The science is unequivocal: public health demands decisive action to eliminate risk and prevent all asbestos exposure,” Reinstein stated.
The industry cases oppose EPA’s 2024 asbestos risk management rule, under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which phases out six ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form of this hazardous substance currently used in the United States. The EPA rule reaffirms the long-standing science linking asbestos exposure to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis and imposes a ban on the six uses based on a determination that no level of exposure to asbestos is safe.
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and three state chemical associations have challenged the EPA’s findings and called for the Court to invalidate the EPA rule.
By withdrawing from the case, Olin has dissociated itself from industry’s attack on the rule and reaffirmed its support for an unconditional asbestos ban. Olin is well down the road toward replacing asbestos in its plants manufacturing chlorine and caustic soda and permanently ending the use of asbestos.
The case is before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, with oral arguments scheduled for June 1, 2026, where ACC and other chemical industry groups apparently intend to continue their attack on the rule.
ADAO and 17 leading asbestos and public health advocates joined the case to support EPA’s authority and scientific findings, while also pressing to close critical gaps in the rule, including its long phase-out deadlines for chlor-alkali producers, exclusion of other asbestos fiber types, and failure to ban all future asbestos uses.
ADAO’s counsel, Robert Sussman, will be participating in oral argument and asking the Court to direct EPA to strengthen the rule.
“The alignment between Olin and ADAO represents a rare and credible opportunity to resolve the issue of asbestos use in the United States once and for all. A practical, industry and advocacy-supported solution has now been clearly defined, yet its success depends on timely government action,” shared Kenneth T. Lane, President and Chief Executive Officer, Olin Corporation.
“We firmly believe the best way to end the scourge of asbestos is to pass Congressional legislation that is unambiguous and less susceptible to legal challenges and executive whims,” said Reinstein. “For this reason, we continue to vigorously promote the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, a bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation that would ban the import and use of all forms of asbestos once and for all. Until that happens, ADAO will continue to work to press the EPA to enact the most protective regulations possible and do their duty to keep the American people safe from this toxic threat,” she stated.
“We appreciate the Olin Corporation for their willingness to collaborate, to find solutions, and for their support of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act as we work together to move America towards an asbestos-free future,” said Reinstein.
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About ADAO
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is the largest independent nonprofit in the United States dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-caused diseases through education, advocacy, and community initiatives.
2026 Sponsors: ADAO is grateful to our sponsors and supporters, especially our Platinum Sponsors: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP and Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLP, Gold Sponsors: The Gori Law Firm and Motley Rice LLC, and Silver Sponsor Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, does not make legal referrals.