EPA Takes Important Step in Streamlining Evaluation of Pesticides under ESA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its “Revised Method for National Level Listed Species Biological Evaluations of Conventional Pesticides.” This is an important step toward creating a workable solution to evaluate pesticides under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“Protecting threatened and endangered species while ensuring farmers have access to tools to control pests are two objectives that can co-exist using available science. While CropLife America (CLA) is still reviewing EPA’s proposal, we appreciate the agency’s commitment to a process that is efficient, protective of species, and based on the best available science,” said Chris Novak, CLA’s CEO. “The best way to balance these objectives is to rely upon real-world data and analyses that reflect where and how pesticides are actually used. Pesticide usage data is an important part of this revised method and represents a major step forward by EPA to use the best scientific and commercial data available.”

“CLA continues to encourage a collaborative process among all the involved governmental agencies to find a long-term, transparent, and timely approach for harmonizing the pesticide registration process and ESA consultations,” Novak continued. “We hope that this work will result in decisions based on the best available science to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats, while allowing farmers and pest control professionals access to the tools they need grow food and protect public health.”

Along with the revised method, EPA also released draft biological evaluations for Methomyl and Carbaryl using the revised method. CLA will review these extensive documents in the coming weeks.