On heels of Canada and EU bans, EPA stalls review of bee-killing pesticides

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The EPA quietly pushed back its review and final determination of bee-killing neonicotinoid insecticides from 2018 to 2019 without an announcement late last week. A strong and growing body of science demonstrates that neonics are a leading cause of global bee declines.

The delay comes just days after Canada announced it will ban all outdoor uses of two neonicotinoids. In April, the European Union also banned outdoor uses of these pesticides. In the U.S., more than 200 businesses, cities and states have taken similar action. 

Jason Davidson, Food and Agriculture Campaign Associate with Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement in response:

These harmful pesticides threaten our environment, wreak havoc on our food system and drive down bee populations around the world. The EPA’s dangerous decision to delay action on bee-killing pesticides shows that it is prioritizing pesticide industry profits over protecting bees and our food system.

It is disappointing to see the EPA fail to recognize the overwhelming scientific evidence on neonics while countries around the world take decisive action to protect people and the planet. The EPA must follow the lead of cities, states and major companies and take immediate action to ban these toxic pesticides.

Communications Contact: Erin Jensen, (202) 222-0722, [email protected]