A class action lawsuit is bringing suit against the US government for negligence for not controlling the level and type of pesticides authorized by the agency enough to safeguard the bee population.
The suit is being brought by a coalition of beekeepers, conservation and watchdog groups and others, over the abuse of pesticides in farming, which have been linked to bee population decline.
Bees pollinate up to a third of world's food crops. The government, the suit contends, has not prevented the use of lethal chemicals in the environment like nerve agents and neonicotinoids, which have become the most used pesticides in the world. The european union has already placed a two year moratorium on the use of neconicotinois, in an effort to ascertain what if any impact the moratorium will have in restoring the bee population.
The lawsuit Plaintiffs assert that they have petitioned the EPA multiple times to protect bees from chemical agents released in the environment. The agency has always refused to address the complaints brought forth by the group.
Beekepers interviewed have expressed their dismay at the agency's lack of protection for their livelihood. They contend that the EPA has created a toxic environment. The agency on its part has declined to comment on the lawsuit. Their statement in response underscores what the agency calls a 'commitment to aggressively protect the bees and other pollinators". They cite their pending review on the effects of neonicotinoids on the bee population, which has been accelerated. Even with the 'acceleration' the review would not be finished until 2018.
Numerous studies have been published just recently on the link between neonicotinoids and their harmful effects on bee population. These studies were high profile and validated by other studies. However the UK and Germany have been on opposing sides of the European Union regarding the two year moratorium imposed by the EU.
One of the most serious aspects of the lawsuit is the contention that the EPA 'rushed' its approval on neonicotinoids without having done sufficient testing, nor has the agency since its approval furnished any new information on the products.
In fact an article published just this week in the US, points out the fact that some of Monsanto's previous employees have been hired or have worked in the EPA. Monsanto is one of the companies producing chemicals that have been linked to bee population decline.
Another study released by the American Bird Conservancy states that the "EPA risk assessments have greatly underestimated [the risk to birds], using scientifically unsound, outdated methodology."
Source: the Guardian UK 3.22.13
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