On Friday, November 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it finalized its biological evaluations (BEs) for glyphosate, atrazine, and simazine, three herbicides that are used to control a variety of grasses and broadleaf weeds. In its BE, EPA determined that all of these chemicals may affect, and are likely to adversely affect, certain listed species or their designated critical habitats. These evaluations encompass all registered uses and approved product labels for pesticide products containing these three herbicides.
The determination by EPA now requires a separate review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and National Marine Fisheries Service, who will develop their own biological opinions (BiOps) based on EPA's findings and further analysis. If the services find that these chemicals put an endangered species or critical habitat in "jeopardy," they will work with EPA to "propose additional protections," the agency said. That could come in the form of new label and use restrictions on these three chemicals.
The determination by EPA related to these three herbicides was broadly criticized by the agriculture community for lacking scientific data, assuming unrealistic use scenarios, and selecting what information and data in their determination. The agriculture community continues to advocate for crop protection products that help manage invasive pests and allow for more efficient and sustainable crop production.
More below:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-releases-final-biological-evaluations-glyphosate-atrazine-and-simazine
https://www.agweb.com/news/crops/soybeans/farm-groups-rip-epa-claims-agency-failed-use-best-available-science-latest