The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new measures to protect endangered species from the insecticide chlorpyrifos. These include updated product labels requiring pesticide applicators to consult the EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website for pesticide use limitations. The EPA plans to revoke tolerances for all food uses except 11 crops, potentially reducing chlorpyrifos application by up to 70%. Additional restrictions will address application timing, tank mixing, and runoff.
Environmental advocates, including Nathan Donley from the Center for Biological Diversity, argue that chlorpyrifos is too hazardous and call for a complete ban. The Eighth Circuit recently allowed the EPA to restore its use for the 2024 growing season, complicating previous efforts to limit the pesticide. The EPA’s review process for chlorpyrifos is ongoing, with further decisions expected in 2025.
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