|
The so-called neonicotinoid pesticides are routinely used in
agriculture and applied to plants and trees in gardens and parks.
But their widespread use has come under scrutiny in recent years
after a drop in the number of honey bees and other pollinating
insects, which play key roles in food production.
The decline is attributed to factors including pesticide and
herbicide use, habitat loss and disease, according to the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
The EPA notice came the day after Oregon's largest city suspended
the use of the pesticides on its property to protect honey bees.
The unanimous vote on Wednesday by the Portland City Commission came
despite protests from farmers, nursery owners and others who claimed
the insecticide was crucial in combating pests that destroy crops
and other plants. Portland is among at least eight municipalities
that have banned the chemicals.
The EPA is conducting an assessment of the six types of
neonicotinoids and their impact on honey bees, with its evaluation
of four expected by 2018 and the remaining two a year later.
In the interim, the agency said in a statement that its move stemmed
from the agency's "ongoing effort to protect pollinators."
[to top of second column] |
But the federal environmental regulators said they would review the
suspension "if a significant new pest issue should arise that may be
uniquely addressed by one of these chemicals."
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation said the EPA's
latest measure on neonicotinoids, which are taken up by plants
through roots and leaves, was insufficient.
"The reality is, there are risks to our pollinators with current
uses (of the insecticide)," said Amy Code, the Xerces Society's
pesticide program coordinator.
The EPA and a group representing farmers and other pesticide users
could not immediately be reached for comment.
(Reporting by Laura Zuckerman in Salmon, Idaho; Editing by Curtis
Skinner and Alan Raybould)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
