15
Jun
(Beyond Pesticides, June 15, 2023) The Supreme Courtâs recent ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Clean Water Actâs jurisdiction dramatically limits the EPAâs ability to protect critical wetland ecosystems. On May 25, in a 5-4 majority decision, the Supreme Court ruled that EPA has authority to protect only âwetlands with a continuous surface connection to bodies that are âwaters of the United Statesâ in their own right.â Wetlands must appear âindistinguishableâ from larger waterways at a surface-level perspective. Wetlands next to a large waterway are no longer protected if they are separated by a manmade or terrestrial barrier. Water flows underground from upstream to downstream sources and exits the confines of its customary boundaries during periods of flooding, so to declare waterways distinct based merely on a surface-level perspective defies scientific understanding of ecosystem health. Critical Nature of Wetland Ecology The conservation of wetland ecology is critical to the health of our environment. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) states, âWetlands are among the most productive habitats on earthâ given their role in flood resilience, improvement in water quality, and coastal erosion control. Wetlands are essential nursery grounds for many species of fish and oases for […]
Posted in Clean Water Act, Climate, contamination, Department of Justice, Drinking Water, Ecosystem Services, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Groundwater, Litigation, National Politics, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Supreme Court, Water, Water Regulation | 2 Comments »
14
Jun
(Beyond Pesticides, June 14, 2022) The ringleader of a pesticide smuggling operation conducted across the United States border with Mexico has been sentenced to eight months in prison by a U.S. District Court Judge. According to a press release by the U.S. Attorneyâs Office for the Southern District of California, Sofia Mancera Morales used individuals recruited over social media Bovitraz and Taktic, pesticide products banned in the US that pose hazards to pollinators and cancer risks to humans. âIn exchange for ill-begotten profits, this cavalier smuggling operation was more than willing to risk the publicâs health and the honeybee industry, which is critical to pollinating our food supply,â said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. While the Department of Justice deserves praise for this enforcement action, health and environmental advocates say that more must be done to stop illegal pesticide sales. A quick search for the two pesticide products in question brings up webpages, including well-known sites like Etsy.com, where the same illegal pesticides cited in this case are currently being sold to U.S. consumers. Over Facebook, Ms. Morales offered to pay individuals between $40-150 per package of pesticide products they delivered across the border. Those recruited were instructed to open a […]
Posted in amitraz, Cancer, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Uncategorized | No Comments »
