Lawyers with the powerful Natural Resources Defense Council have kicked off a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency, calling the feds’ approval of a new pesticide a danger to monarch butterflies.
The NRDC also adds that the herbicide just approved for use on genetically modified corn and soybeans could harm humans, The Hill reported.
“This weed killer is more bad news for monarch butterflies, whose migrating population has dropped by more than 90 percent in recent years because glyphosate has wiped out the milkweed they need to survive,” Sylvia Fallon, a senior scientist at the NRDC, said in a statement reported by The Hill.
At issue is glyphosate, sold under the name of Roundup, The Hill reported. It’s one of the main ingredients in Enlist Duo, and Dow company officials say they plan to put the product out for sale next year.
“EPA completely ignored the impact on monarchs when it granted this new approval and seriously underestimated the toxicity for people,” Ms. Fallon said, The Hill reported.
The NRDC filed its suit in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. And supporting the NRDC in its claims is Earthjustice, The Hill said.
The EPA, meanwhile, said it had studied all the possible health impacts to people, wildlife and the environment before granting approval, and that Enlist Duo passed muster.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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