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Oregon Democrats push EPA to justify use of pesticide 'highly toxic' to bees

September 9, 2019

Oregon Democrats are asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to defend its decision to expand the use of a pesticide considered harmful to bees.

The EPA in July expanded the allowed uses of sulfoxaflor, saying the decision was made with pollinators in mind, as the pesticide is less harmful to bees than other alternatives.

"These new approved uses come at a time when colonies are dying at alarming rates," Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said in a letter co-signed with Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio and Suzanne Bonamici. "This is particularly concerning, given that pollinators are an invaluable component of our nation's food production."