Broadcast Newsline: May 13, 2011
At a joint hearing of the House Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources, members questioned officials of USDA, EPA, the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) about the impact of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on pesticide use.
This week’s Cotton Newsline is 4 cuts. All cuts are Keith Menchey, Manager of Science and Environmental Issues for the National Cotton Council.
Suggested Introduction 1:
At a joint hearing of the House Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources, members questioned officials of USDA, EPA, the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) about the impact of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on pesticide use. Keith Menchey, Manager of Science and Environmental Issues, says under the ESA, EPA is required to consult with the Services on pesticide registration decisions that could affect endangered species.
Suggested Introduction 2:
Menchey says environmental groups in California and the Northwest have successfully sued EPA for failing to consult on endangered species.
Suggested Introduction 3:
Menchey says this has been a slow process in part because the EPA and the services work under different statutes.
Suggested Introduction 4:
Menchey believes the most recent “Mega” suit was the catalyst to the hearing that took place.
Suggested Conclusion:
According to Menchey the EPA has requested that the National Academy of Sciences do a study on this process and most members in the committee urge EPA to wait until the Academy releases a report to develop some solutions.
