Agriculture

"Midwestern and Southern states use much higher rates of the potentially harmful pesticide 2,4-D, according to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data."

"The US Environmental Protection Agency is doubling down on efforts to decrease a backlog of new pesticide active ingredients waiting for EPA approval to enter the marketplace. Since April, the agency has proposed registering four of them—cyclobutrifluram, diflufenican, isocycloseram, and trifludimoxazin."

"Honey bees, a critical component of California’s agriculture, face several challenges to survival. Will the Legislature spend more money in a deficit year to try and address the problems facing the bees?"

"The Wisconsin Supreme Court delivered a victory for environmentalists on Tuesday in the fight over “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, issuing a ruling that advocates said will hold polluters accountable."

"Bayer [last] week put a halt to its latest courtroom battle over allegations that its weed killing products cause cancer, settling a Missouri case after four weeks of testimony and just as the trial was coming to a close and just ahead of important US Supreme Court consideration."

"State regulations limiting gas-powered lawn equipment for public properties went into effect this month. Users are warming up to the cleaner, quieter tools."

"The top federal lab on native bees is set to close under President Trump’s budget." 

"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed sweeping legislation Sunday to slap warning labels on potentially tens of thousands of food and beverage packages — a move that could have ripple effects across the country." "The measure applies to 44 dyes or additives commonly found in baked goods, candy and drinks, and could force the food industry to change what it sells."

"The US Forest Service will begin the process to repeal the agency’s 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects millions of acres of national forest land from logging nationwide, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Monday."

"U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah single-handedly appears to have produced what just might be the most unified, and broadly dispersed, opposition to anti-conservation legislation ever considered by Congress."