The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new plan to allow the use of the herbicide dicamba for genetically modified soybeans and cotton. These crops are widely grown across the U.S. This decision echoes a similar move made during the Trump administration, which faced legal challenges and was blocked by courts in 2020 and 2024. According to Nathan Donley, from the Center for Biological Diversity, this marks the first year since 2016 that dicamba hasn’t been in use.
Environmental groups are poised to fight this decision in court. Donley expressed concern, stating, “It’s sad to see the EPA facilitating choices that harm our environment.” The EPA, on the other hand, believes that dicamba is essential for farmers, asserting that it won’t have negative effects on public health or the environment. The agency plans to open this proposal for public comment for 30 days.
Dicamba has been a common weed killer for over five decades, but its usage has surged in recent years. Data from the EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey reveal a significant rise in dicamba applications, especially in the last decade.
Recent research continues to investigate dicamba’s potential health dangers. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found a concerning link between dicamba exposure and certain cancers, including liver cancer and a type of leukemia. Additionally, dicamba can drift from its target and damage nearby plants and ecosystems, threatening local wildlife, as pointed out by the National Wildlife Federation.
Legal issues surrounding dicamba are complicated. Past court rulings have taken years, leading to uncertainty for many farmers. Brigit Rollins from the National Agricultural Law Center notes that farmers often find themselves in a tough spot, unsure of the rules as the growing season unfolds. This seesawing between regulation and legal challenges complicates farming practices and can disrupt local agriculture.
Amidst these debates, public sentiments are mixed. Many farmers rely on dicamba for crop protection, while conservationists push for stricter regulations. Both sides express deep concerns about health, the environment, and economic implications.
For a deeper understanding of pesticide regulations in agriculture, you can explore the EPA’s detailed overview.
Source link
environment,Climate,Nathan Donley,Melina Walling,U.S. news,Business
