The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s renewed commitment to ending mammalian animal testing by 2035. This landmark announcement positions the EPA as the third major federal agency, alongside the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, to publicly commit to drastically reducing or eliminating the use of animals in scientific research and testing.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s reaffirmation of this goal represents a critical step forward in our Crossroads 2029 initiative, which works to encourage and support federal agencies in transitioning away from animal-based research methods.
Measurable Progress Already Underway
The EPA has already demonstrated its commitment through concrete actions:
- In April 2025, the agency launched its first-ever lab animal adoption program at its Research Triangle Park facility in North Carolina, providing a humane path forward for animals previously used in testing.
- The number of rodents in the care of the EPA’s Office of Animal Safety and Environmental Sciences (OASES) has dropped dramatically from 466 in April 2025 to just 41 by mid-November, demonstrating real progress in reducing animal use.
- For the first time, the EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics utilized high-quality New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal testing in cancer evaluations for dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, sparing an estimated 1,600 mice and rats from laboratory experiments.
A Comprehensive Three-Pronged Strategy
The EPA has outlined an ambitious strategy to achieve its 2035 goal:
- Identifying NAMs that can immediately replace traditional animal testing methods
- Conducting a comprehensive review of agency guidance and the Code of Federal Regulations to build in flexibility for toxicity assessments and expand waiver opportunities
- Encouraging external researchers and data providers to adopt NAMs and apply for animal testing waivers whenever possible
“The most important next step is turning this commitment into sustained action—expanded NAMs acceptance, fewer routine animal-test requests, and a robust waiver pathway that rewards innovation,” said NAVS Director of Advocacy and Policy Meredith Blanchard. “NAVS is ready to be a constructive partner as EPA updates guidance and accelerates implementation.”
Looking Ahead: Building Momentum
NAVS is actively working to secure similar commitments from the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of our continued Crossroads 2029 work. With three major agencies now committed to this vision, we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how federal agencies approach scientific research and regulatory testing.
The EPA’s announcement reinforces what NAVS has long advocated: that modern, humane replacements to animal testing are not only possible but more effective and relevant to human health outcomes. As we continue our Crossroads 2029 work, we remain committed to supporting agencies in this critical transition and ensuring that the end of an outdated era in scientific research is on the horizon.
