Court rules against FMC Corporation, pesticide users
Ban on deadly pesticide goes into effect December 31st
(12/15/2009) -- • The DC Circuit yesterday rejected a request by FMC Corporation, the manufacturer of carbofuran, and several U.S. users of carbofuran, for a stay of EPA’s decision to revoke food tolerances of the deadly pesticide.
- •EPA’s decision to revoke all tolerances of carbofuran will take effect after December 31, 2009
- •Court’s decision will not affect international uses that are killing African lions.
- •Court is expected to decide the case in 2010.
WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2009) – Defenders of Wildlife is very pleased to hear that the Court has denied a motion for a stay of EPA’s decision to revoke all food tolerances of carbofuran. The following is a statement from Rodger Schlickeisen, President for Defenders of Wildlife:
“This toxic pesticide has killed millions of birds and other wildlife in the U.S. alone for decades. It is widely used by other countries on food eaten by American consumers. The December 31st end-date for carbofuran cannot come too soon not only for America’s wildlife but also for our children, farmworkers and the general public. We hope the Court in its final ruling will maintain the ban on this deadly chemical.
“Unfortunately, today’s announcement will not end all international use of carbofuran. Countries can still use the pesticide on crops not destined for the U.S. Ample supplies of carbofuran in Kenya have made it readily available for illegal use to kill African lions and other wildlife. Defenders of Wildlife is committed to working with our conservation partners in addressing that issue as well.”
Read more about EPA’s cancellation of carbofuran tolerances
Learn more about Defenders’ work to end deadly uses of carbofuran
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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.
Contact(s):
Cat Lazaroff, 202-772-3270
