http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/epa-calls-halt-use-pesticides-suspected-killing-bees-n334936
[video in on-line article]
EPA Restricts Use of Pesticides Suspected of Killing Bees
The EPA has issued a moratorium on use of a type of pesticide theorized
to be responsible for plummeting bee populations. Neonicotinoids are a
class of common pesticides that recent research has pointed to as being
harmful to birds, bees and other animals. The EPA previously approved
their use, but outcry over the damage being done has caused the agency
to reverse course while more studies are done. On Thursday, the EPA sent
letters to people and companies that have applied for outdoor use of the
pesticide, saying that new use permits won't be issued.
New uses of neonicotinoids will no long be approved "until the data on
pollinator health have been received and appropriate risk assessments
completed," the EPA letter reads. Existing permits to use them, however,
will not be rescinded — something wildlife and environmental advocacy
groups are unhappy with.
"If EPA is unable to assess the safety of new uses, the agency similarly
is not able to assess the safety of the close to 100 outdoor uses
already approved," said the Center for Food Safety's Peter Jenkins in a
statement criticizing the EPA's actions. Other organizations of
beekeepers, environmentalists, and farmers echoed the sentiment.
Though it isn't calling an end to all uses of neonicotinoids, the EPA
says in its letter that it is taking the problem seriously: "EPA
considers the completion of the new pollinator risk assessments for
these chemicals to be an agency priority."
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