Friday, May 19th

(Adapted from Rogan's List)

Pass the strawberries, hold the pesticides. (Photo: Creative Commons) - See more at: http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2017/04/03/state-ag-commissioner-troxler-pleased-epas-ruling-allow-brain-damaging-pesticide-crops/#sthash.sHfyYQXN.dpuf

Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide that can harm children's brains and nervous systems has been banned for home uses.

On Monday, May 22nd, a new EPA rule (calling for stricter requirements for applying restricted-used pesticides, essentially the most dangerous ones that are still allowable) was supposed to go into effect. But a week ago, May 12, EPA head Scott Pruitt announced he would delay the new rule by at least a year.

The EPA only will allow the public to comment on Pruitt's decision through the end of today, instead of the normal 30-day public comment period.

Action You Can Take Now

Tell the EPA how you feel about pushing off this regulation by entering a comment in the Federal Register:  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/05/15/2017-09386/pesticides-certification-of-pesticide-applicators-rule-extension-of-effective-date

It's not necessary to select a "government agency." You can write your name in the "Organization Name" field.

Tell the EPA that you care about how pesticides are regulated and want our children's health and the health of the planet protected.

The EPA has to approve the comments so you won't see yours posted immediately.