With a new administration set to take over next week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working quickly to clear its docket — including an 11th hour expansion of use for Dow’s controversial herbicide cocktail, Enlist Duo.
The agency originally approved use of Enlist Duo — a combination of 2,4-D and glyphosate — for application on Dow’s genetically engineered corn and soy in limited states. Today’s announcement expands use on these crops to an additional 19 states and adds approval of use for Dow’s GE cotton as well.
Since Dow first petitioned the agency for registration of its Enlist Duo formulation, public outcry has been strong and steady. Hundreds of thousands of individuals, including scientists and farmers, have shared their concerns with EPA.
PAN senior scientist, Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, PhD, issued the following statement in response:
“EPA’s decision to expand use of Enlist Duo is deeply disappointing — and the wrong move. In a misguided attempt to address the superweed crisis created by indiscriminate use of glyphosate on Monsanto’s RoundUp Ready crops, the agency is again failing America’s farmers and rural communities.
Studies show us that genetically engineered crops drive up use of herbicides. And studies show that 2,4-D and glyphosate are problematic chemicals. Exposure to 2,4-D has been connected with serious health harms — including cancer and birth defects — and is toxic to many plants not engineered to withstand exposure. Meanwhile, evidence is mounting that glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide in the country, is also linked to cancer.
We need the EPA to protect community health and farmer livelihoods, rather than making it easier for corporations to boost profits by selling harmful pesticides.”
Contact: Paul Towers, PAN, 916-216-1082
