The Boll Weevil Eradication Program, in both the southeast and the southwest, is a top priority for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The program's success in the Carolinas gave concrete evidence that eradication can be achieved with everyone's cooperation. Such success had been an elusive dream for decades while cotton producers struggled diligently, but usually in vain, to control this pest. With eradication, substantial economic and environmental benefits are realized. Although experts sometimes disagree on specifics, their various viewpoints will prove helpful in sculpting a better program. Despite rumors to the contrary, APHIS remains committed to eradication in the current program areas. APHIS is developing an environmental impact statement for the program, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act. The EIS must assess the effects of all control methods available, including eradication. Pending the outcome of the EIS, eradication programs may proceed in other areas of the cotton belt, if they are supported by the producers and states involved.