The EPA has released a new document outlining how it will evaluate potential health risks associated with fluoride in drinking water, marking the next step in an accelerated review that could inform future federal drinking water regulations.

According to the agency, the assessment will focus on two primary health endpoints in children: neurodevelopmental effects, including potential impacts on brain function and IQ, and dental fluorosis.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency is expediting the assessment under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with the goal of completing the review years ahead of the standard timeline.

Astute observers will note that EPA is fighting us in appeals court over fluoride regulations under TSCA while at the same time taking what seem to be genuine steps towards meaningful fluoride regulations under SDWA. FAN attorney Michael Connett (@michaelpconnett), who has been fighting the EPA in court for over 7 years on this issue, looked over the new documents and remarked: “I have to say, it’s pretty good.”