SAN FRANCISCO – An agricultural pesticide that has been linked to the collapse of bee colonies soon may be off the market.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled Thursday that the Environmental Protection Agency was wrong to approve sulfoxaflor because the agency's studies couldn't prove the pesticide is safe for bees.
"Even the EPA acknowledged that it is highly toxic to bees," said Michele Colopy, program director of the Pollinator Stewardship Council, one of the groups that filed the suit. "They just hoped that they could mitigate the risk by label guidelines and things, which never really works terribly well."
Agro-chemical companies blame bee deaths on a combination of factors, including disease and predators. Experts say that if the bees die off, they'd take a third of this country's crops with them. California's $3 billion almond crop, for example, is entirely dependent on bees for pollination.
Colopy also lauded the decision because it stated that sulfoxaflor is part of a subclass of neonicotinoids that are thought to be harmful to bees - which means other, similar pesticides might be scrutinized next.
"We are hoping this will encourage EPA to tighten up their Tier 2 testing," she said, "and to start looking at some of these other products where maybe they had some flawed data that they collected."
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation granted temporary permission to use sulfoxaflor on a limited basis this summer, but has not signed off on widespread use. Regardless, sulfoxaflor will become illegal nationwide in 45 days, unless pesticide manufacturers request a new hearing or appeal to the Supreme Court.
The National Honeybee Advisory Board, American Honey Producers Association, American Beekeeping Federation and several individual beekeepers filed the suit, represented by Earthjustice. The full court opinion is online at earthjustice.org.
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A Knoxville environmental group is raising concerns about a new uranium enrichment facility slated to be operated in Oak Ridge.
Unlike past sites operated by the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, the 750,000 square-foot facility, creating more than 300 jobs, will be run by the private company Orano.
Tanvi Kardile, coordinator of the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, said they are concerned about who will oversee safety regulations and environmental laws, as the government traditionally handled the responsibilities, including conducting environmental analyses and reports for large projects.
"How do lawsuits arise against private companies?" Kardile questioned. "There's kind of this different method of enforcement that's going to be operated and we are unsure about that, and I feel like the public should also be concerned about that, especially because all these facilities have such a direct impact on public health."
Kardile pointed out her group is already concerned with the ongoing risks tied to enriching uranium and other activities at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. The uranium processing facility is estimated to cost $10.3 billion and is set to be complete in 2027. Initially, the project was expected to cost $6.5 billion and finish by 2025.
Kardile highlighted uranium poses significant radiation risks, and with multiple projects in Oak Ridge involving uranium, it would exacerbate existing concerns. Additionally, she noted besides the health risks, there is a substantial taxpayer burden with this new project.
"Taxpayer dollars has always been a big concern with all these projects," Kardile stressed. "This one is one of the biggest investments in Tennessee history, and it's a multi-billion-dollar facility, that comes with a taxpayer burden. Historically, all these nuclear sites have been delayed. Then comes cost overruns."
Kardile emphasized the importance of Tennesseans collaborating with lawmakers to find the best path to allocate their tax dollars and protect public health.
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New funding from the federal Empowering Rural America program will allow the East Kentucky Power Cooperative to add more than 750 megawatts of solar energy to rural portions of Kentucky.
Co-op officials are currently seeking regulatory approval for a pair of solar installations in Fayette County, which would generate renewable energy for co-op members.
Nick Comer, external affairs manager for the co-op, said the project will cut emissions from the grid equivalent to the annual pollution from 554,000 gasoline-powered cars.
"Solar facilities will produce electricity when the sun is shining; that's no associated greenhouse gas emissions," Comer pointed out. "We estimate this will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3 million tons annually."
The co-op will receive additional funding in the form of tax credits on top of the $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-sponsored program. The East Kentucky Power Cooperative generates electricity for 16 power distribution cooperatives across the state.
The project has generated some controversy, as some Kentucky agriculture advocates claim building the solar farms on 400 acres of prime agricultural land would not be the best use of the resource. Comer countered the installation will not harm the land long-term.
"It will have minimal impact on the land," Comer explained. "Once the solar facility has been used for 20 or 30 years and is no longer used for that, it could be returned to agricultural purposes at that point."
The funding is part of a $7.3 billion USDA program made available through the Inflation Reduction Act. The program specifically targets rural member-owned electric cooperatives in a move to eliminate greenhouse gasses produced by burning coal and natural gas contributing to climate change.
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As people head to the polls tomorrow, groups are working to ensure Georgia's Black and brown communities understand the energy saving benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Payback Campaign is a public awareness initiative led by creative firm AB and supported by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light. It is helping educate congregations and communities on Inflation Reduction Act incentives, including solar energy tax credits to lower utility costs, reduce carbon emissions and build resilience.
Jay Horton, communications manager for Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, explained access to resources is especially meaningful for congregations in underserved areas.
"One of the main advantages of the Inflation Reduction Act was that congregations and faith communities, houses of worship, can now benefit from the tax credits available for solar and battery storage," Horton explained. "Especially low wealth communities."
The group helps congregations with low-cost solar assessments, connections to vetted installers, and a zero-interest loan through its Solar Wise program. To date, the initiative has completed 23 installations in Georgia, totaling 540 kilowatts and offsetting more than 3,200 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Horton pointed out Georgia power bills will increase by an average of $44 over two years and solar installations can help mitigate rising energy costs. Beyond saving money, he noted solar power also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint. He added congregations would be able to redirect the savings into community services, all while making a positive environmental impact.
"For example, Trinity Episcopal Church in Statesboro, they had a 30-kilowatt system through the Georgia Bright program but their utility bill savings over next 20 years, $196,000, net savings of $60,000," Horton outlined. "That's equivalent to 705 tons of CO2 offset. "
He emphasized the offset is equivalent to 1.5 million miles driven in a car, or 10,000 trees planted. The Payback Campaign also highlighted how environmental and economic benefits can inform voter choices, encouraging support for leaders who prioritize clean energy initiatives.
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