Regulation Grants EPA Sole Discretion Over Pesticides

On July 29 the Bush administration passed a regulation to allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sole discretion over the regulation of pesticides under the Endangered Species Act.

Existing law requires the EPA to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service (WFS) and NOAA Fisheries. The new regulation means that the EPA need not consult with wildlife experts before deciding whether pesticides are likely to harm threatened or endangered species and their habitat, and whether any steps should be taken to limit the harm.

Proponents of the regulation point out that the EPA has rarely consulted wildlife experts in the past, except under a mandated court order, and that the decision will streamline the process of pesticide approval, increasing efficiency.

Those opposed feel that the regulation will imperil already endangered wildlife.

Source: The National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org