New Bill Could Mean Less Pesticide Regulations from the EPA

Pesticides that pose risks to people and wildlife are generally strictly regulated under the Environmental Protection Agency and the federal government. However, it seems one pesticide has slipped past these regulations and may receive additional protection as well.

Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide approved for use in 1965, has helped keep pests away from crops for years. But despite its helpfulness, it is also a neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system. Studies have found that this neurotoxin is linked to babies with lowered IQs and dead fish. The use of pesticides has always been a concern, especially for those 15 million households in the U.S. who drink well water.

Over the past year alone, the EPA was faced with the decision of limiting or banning the product twice, declining both times. But now under a provision to the 2018 farm bill, the EPA would be allowed to approve pesticides without reviewing protections against endangered species.

According to environmental groups, the clause is an “unprecedented” attack that could cause severe consequences for ecosystems throughout the country.

Under the bill, the EPA would no longer be required to have consultations with agencies like the Interior Department’s Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Both of these agencies currently ensure the Endangered Species Act protections are adhered to.

A December 2017 report from the National Marine Fisheries Service showed that numerous pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, pose a threat to multiple marine animals. These animals include some that are currently protected.

The report said, “Current application rates and application methods are expected to produce aquatic concentrations of all three pesticides that are likely to harm aquatic species as well as contaminate their designated critical habitats.”

Also added in the report was that those species, and their prey, that live in waters close to sites that use pesticides could be at a greater risk of harm. Without proper review, advocates worry that some types of protected salmon, butterflies, and pollinators will be harmed by these pesticides.

The Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee are trying to streamline the process and see the language as a reform to an arduous consultation process.

House Agriculture Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, told reporters, “EPA doesn’t have the resources to do a species-by-species deal, so we’re trying to figure out a way to protect species, but also being able to get the crop protection things [pesticides] in place.”

This bill is one of 300 waiting for Senate action. If the bill passes, agricultural trade groups would see a victory. But for the environment and those species endangered by the use of pesticides, it could mean drastic consequences.