For several years now, Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been warning of the risks associated with bisphenol A (BPA) – especially the BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups and cans of infant formula. EWG has also been a leader in trying to get state and federal agencies to regulate this hazardous chemical.

Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), there was briefly a deal this week – after months of negotiations – to include some regulation of BPA in a food safety bill that will probably pass the Senate soon after Thanksgiving. The deal, agreed to by leading Republicans and trade associations, including the Grocery Manufacturers Association, would have banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups in six months, directed FDA to finalize its assessment of the safety of BPA by December 2012 and protected the right of states to take even stronger action.

Then the American Chemistry Council (ACC) swooped in with last minute objections. The Council’s lobbyists whispered in enough Republican senators’ ears, and the agreement was scrapped. The chemical makers’ trade group has spent millions of dollars over the last few years to fight regulation of BPA across the country.

Despite the Council’s richly funded efforts, environmental and health advocates have had successes on the BPA front. At least seven states have now passed laws to regulate the chemical in one way or another. Canada has declared BPA toxic and banned it in baby bottles; Denmark and Germany have also acted.