A Case of Influence-a

Enviros Say Pesticide Makers Are Illegally Influencing EPA

Northwest salmon and other endangered species could suffer because pesticide manufacturers are acting illegally to weaken rules on the use of dangerous chemicals, enviros are charging. A coalition of environmental groups, including the National Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club, last week warned the U.S. EPA that they would file suit if the agency didn't act within 30 days to change the operations of an industry task force that they say has been pushing for looser rules on pesticide use near endangered species. The task force was created to provide the EPA with data on the use of pesticides near endangered species; enviros say it has overstepped its bounds and illegally assumed an advisory role, while the EPA and industry representatives deny the charges.