New Bush Regulations Weaken Pesticide Regulations, Threaten Wildlife
Endangered Species Experts Excluded From Consultations About the Effects of New Pesticide Use on Wildlife and Habitat
(01/28/2004) - WASHINGTON , DC -- New Bush administration regulations proposed today cut wildlife agencies out of the loop on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decisions regarding pesticide use, a move that undermines the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and threatens endangered species. Currently, the EPA must consult with the federal fish and wildlife agencies to assess the effect of new pesticide use on endangered wildlife prior to approving their use. The new regulations eliminate that requirement, leaving endangered wildlife impact assessments up to the EPA which has a horrible track record of protecting species from the harmful effects of pesticides."The President’s policy benefits the chemical industry at the expense of the environment," said Defenders of Wildlife president Rodger Schlickeisen. "It is another example Americans paying the price as the President bows to the wishes of industry."
"Pollution and pesticides are among the greatest threats to wildlife and habitat," said Patti Goldman, Managing Attorney for EarthJustice’s Northwest Office. "The Bush administration’s policy weakens long-standing regulations that protect species and will only lead to more harmful chemicals in our environment."
"EPA has repeatedly demonstrated its unwillingness to adequately consult with wildlife experts when assessing the impact of chemical use on wildlife and habitat. In fact, EPA did not conduct a single investigation into the effects of pesticides on endangered species for more than a decade and only started when federal courts ordered them to do so. The President’s proposed regulation only serves to let EPA off the hook while further endangering hundreds of species and their habitat," added Schlickeisen. "But if they really want that day to come sooner rather than later, they need to pay more attention to biology and the law, and less to pandering to the loudest voices out on the anti-wolf fringe."
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See House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's Statement on the New Bush Administration Proposal
Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation’s most progressive advocates for wildlife and wildlife habitat. With more than 450,000 members and supporters, Defenders is an effective leader on environmental issues. For timely information on environmental issues, visit www.defenders.org and subscribe to DENLines, a free e-mail alert newsletter.
Contact(s):
Brad DeVries, Defenders of Wildlife, (202) 772-0237Patti Goldman, EarthJustice, (206) 343.7340 ext. 32
