Source: EARTHJUSTICE , 6/30/17

The D.C. Circuit today affirmed that EPA must consider harm to imperiled species when it approves pesticides for use in the United States.  The ruling came in a challenge to EPA’s registration of cyantraniliprole, a new pesticide with deadly impacts on butterflies and native pollinators.

“Today’s opinion just makes common sense: EPA must look at potential harm to endangered species before it gives the green light to new pesticides,” said Amanda Goodin, the Earthjustice attorney who argued the case in the appellate court.

The three-judge panel found that EPA failed to follow the law during its pesticide review and registration process and ordered EPA to look at harm to native species.  Use of cyantraniliprole will continue during the agency review.

Earthjustice represented the Center for Biological Diversity, the Center for Food Safety, and Defenders of Wildlife in the case.  The opinion, Center for Biological Diversity et al v. EPA, is available at link.