EPA, New York Take Actions on Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has affirmed its previous opinions finding that “there are no risks to public health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label and that glyphosate is not a carcinogen.”
“EPA has found no risks to public health from the current registered uses of glyphosate,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a press release. “Today’s proposed action includes new management measures that will help farmers use glyphosate in the most effective and efficient way possible, including pollinator protections. We look forward to input from farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that the draft management measures are workable, realistic, and effective.”
Meanwhile, the New York legislature has passed a ban on chlorpyrifos that would take effect January 1, 2020. After that date, aerial application of the pesticide would be prohibited; after January 1, 2021, all use of the pesticide would be prohibited except for use on apple-tree trunks. On December 1, 2021, all uses would be banned. The legislature has passed the bill and it awaits the governor’s signature.
