EPA Releases Preliminary Interim Decision on Neonicotinoids

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Proposed Interim Decision (PID) on a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids (neonics), which specifically addresses steps EPA is taking to protect pollinator health. Since 2015, EPA has included a pollinator risk assessment as part of its rigorous pesticide Registration Review process, as well as for new pesticide registrations. We support this process and once we have reviewed the full PID, we look forward to a robust public comment period.

Farmers depend on and protect bees and other pollinators, which are essential for their crops. Many farmers are beekeepers themselves and go to great lengths to provide habitat and forage for bee colonies, such as planting wildflowers around their cropland. As farmers grow and protect their crops, neonics are a protective and effective tool to prepare seeds for healthy growth.

In urban and suburban settings, professionals and consumers rely on neonics to protect homes, control bed bugs, and manage destructive invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer.

Studies performed around the world demonstrate that neonics are effective in controlling harmful insects in agricultural and non-agricultural settings, with no unreasonable adverse effects on pollinator health when used according to label instructions.