The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finally taken some action to restrict the use of pesticides that are believed to be causing serious declines in pollinators, but environmentalists are arguing the agency still needs to do more.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finally taken some action to restrict the use of pesticides that are believed to be causing serious declines in pollinators, but environmentalists are arguing the agency still needs to do more.
Scientists agree that while there are other factors such as disease and habitat loss contributing to the decline of pollinators, these chemicals are clearly harmful whether low doses are weakening them and making them more vulnerable to disease, pests or other stressors, or have levels high enough to kill them directly.
As part of an effort to address the problems these pesticides are causing, the EPA announced it will be restricting a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, or neonics, which are known impact bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife and are believed to be contributing to their overall decline.
While the agency said it will “likely not be in a position” to approve new uses until it gets more data and conducts a full risk assessment for four chemicals including imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran, it won’t be withdrawing existing permits for their use, which a alliance of food, farming and environmental advocacy groups are calling for.
“If EPA is unable to assess the safety of new uses, the agency similarly is not able to assess the safety of the close to 100 outdoor uses already approved. In view of its admissions, EPA has no option under FIFRA other than to suspend the existing uses, as well as follow through with its moratorium on the proposed new uses,” said Peter T. Jenkins, attorney for the Center for Food Safety.
The alliance further argues that other chemicals that have recently come on the market should also be included with neonics, but weren’t and their continued use will be just as damaging.
“It’s welcome news that EPA is finally beginning to address the threat that neonics pose to the nation’s bees and other pollinators, but given the threats to the nation’s food and farming system, more is needed,” said Kristin Schafer, policy director at Pesticide Action Network North America. “Numerous bee-harming neonics and their cousin products are already on the market, and seed coatings in particular have led to a dramatic surge in use over the last few years. EPA should go further to place a moratorium on existing products.”
Continue reading at ENN affiliate, Care2.
Bee image via Shutterstock.
