Ten AGs Urged EPA to Regulate the Use of Seeds Treated with Pesticides

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum led a coalition of 10 attorneys general in filing comments responding to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plans to consider regulating the use of seeds treated with neonicotinoids and other pesticides. In their comments, the AGs explained that pesticide-treated seeds have an adverse effect on the environment, especially on bees and other beneficial insects that come into contact with dust from the seeds. Additionally, unused seeds that are used as bioethanol fuel and for other improper uses can lead to soil and water pollution that endanger human health. The AGs urged EPA to adopt reporting and use requirements that will mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide-treated seeds on human health and the environment, as well as labeling requirements that may deter the use of pesticide-treated seeds.