EPA Releases Endangered Species Analyses and Draft Determinations for Neonicotinoid Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released new nationwide endangered species analyses and draft determinations for neonicotinoid pesticides, a class of systemic pesticides that can harm bees and ubiquitous seed coatings. EPA did not complete the review of its own volition, but rather because of a settlement won by Center for Food Safety (CFS) in litigation, which required that a dozen products be canceled as well as Endangered Species Act (ESA) determinations be made by court-ordered deadlines.
Under the settlement, EPA must finalized its draft ESA conclusions by June 2022. EPA will be accepting public comments on the drafts until October 26, 2021.