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EPA ISSUES REPORT STATING THAT 90% OF ENDANGERED SPECIES ARE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY GLYPHOSATE
Nov. 30, 2020
Agri-Pulse reports:
More than 90% of endangered species are "likely to be adversely affected" by use of glyphosate, but mostly through non-agricultural uses, the Environmental Protection Agency concluded in a draft biological evaluation of the impacts of the herbicide released Wednesday.
The evaluation was conducted to comply with the Endangered Species Act, which prohibits federal agencies from engaging in actions likely to "jeopardize the continued existence" of threatened or endangered species. EPA is asking for public comments on the evaluation for 60 days.
Once EPA analyzes the comments it receives, it will issue a final BE determining whether use of glyphosate - commonly sold under the brand name Roundup - "may affect" ESA-listed listed species or their critical habitats. If so, it will have to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries, which will prepare their own evaluations identifying ways to ameliorate those impacts, including possible restrictions.
Of 1,795 species it looked at, EPA said it found 1,676, or 93%, were likely to be adversely affected by glyphosate applications. More than half of those (940) are plants.
EPA said throughout its analysis, "the BE maintains conservative assumptions and may overstate the number of species exposed to and impacted by a pesticide." It also said the vast majority of the determination relied on "moderate" evidence.
To read the entire report click here.
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