CropLife America challenges Center for Biological Diversity and Pesticide Action Network lawsuit against EPA

摘要

CropLife America (CLA) together with Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), Mid America Crop-Life Association (MACA), Western Plant Health Association (WPHA), and Southern Crop Production Association(SCPA) filed a motion to intervene in Center for Biological Diversity and Pesticide Action Network North America v. Environmental Protection Agency. If CLA's role as an intervenor is granted, CLA will become a party to the lawsuit, according to a press release. CLA said that it stands behind protecting vulnerable species and their habitat, but this lawsuit is the wrong way to approach the problems within the ESA consultation process. The lawsuit was filed January 19 2011 and alleges the EPA has violated the ESA by failing to consult with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service on the potential effects of over 380 active ingredients pesticides on 214 threatened and endangered species across 49 states. The broad scope of the lawsuit raises the possibility of potential product restrictions through a wide swath of US agriculture. It is imperative that CLA, RISE and their allies intervene to ensure modern agriculture has a voice in this lawsuit which could significantly reduce the availability of crop protection and pest control products across the country. Their goal is to guarantee that ESA consultations are rooted in sound science. (For more information: www.croplifeamerica.org).