U.S. OK'd for Ozone-Destroying Pesticide
Pastor Dale Morgan
Nov 4, 7:05 PM EST
*U.S. OK'd for Ozone-Destroying Pesticide*
By RITA BEAMISH
Associated Press Writer
The Bush administration on Friday won international approval for U.S.
farmers to use thousands of tons of a potent ozone-destroying pesticide
without having to dip substantially into large stockpiles that were
recently revealed.
The pesticide, methyl bromide, was banned under an international treaty
nearly two years ago except for uses deemed critical. U.S. officials
have secured exemptions to the ban so that growers can use it to kill
soil pests for tomatoes, strawberries and other crops in agricultural
states like California and Florida.
At a meeting Friday in New Delhi, treaty partners approved use of just
over 5,900 tons for those needs in 2008, said Michael Williams,
spokesman for the Montreal Protocol, which works to phase out substances
that deplete the ozone layer.
U.S. stockpiles far exceed that amount, but the nations said Americans
can meet the need by manufacturing more than 5,000 tons of new methyl
bromide. The stockpiles could then be drawn down to meet the rest of the
agreed-on use.
The allotment is a reduction from the administration's request for
nearly 7,100 tons, and continues the downward trend in annual methyl
bromide production and use.
The decision came over the objections of European nations and despite
the recommendation of the treaty's own technical committee. That panel
had urged a more substantial cut in the U.S. request on grounds that
other countries have proved that alternative chemicals and methods can
successfully replace methyl bromide.
European delegates voiced concern about the U.S. stockpiles, measured by
the administration at nearly 11,000 tons at the end of last year.
"It was indeed a very big concern that that there were quite substantial
amounts off stock existing, which we consider that they should now
consume as soon as possible," said Jukka Uosukainen, head of Finland's
delegation.
Before Friday's session, Swedish delegate Husamuddin Ahmadzai said in a
telephone interview that the U.S. pace in reducing methyl bromide
reduction "is certainly undermining the spirit of the Montreal Protocol
and setting a bad example for other countries."
Officials from the State Department and the Environmental Protection
Agency did not return phone messages and e-mails from The Associated
Press seeking comment Friday.
Jay Vroom, president of the pesticide association CropLife America, said
the action in New Delhi reflected appropriate compromise and underscores
the need for methyl bromide in America's diverse agriculture.
"By no means is there one product that will fit all the critical uses of
methyl bromide today," he said. The continued exemptions are needed
while research continues on the alternative pesticides, he said, adding,
"We're not there yet, and the American farmer needs to have these tools
so we can continue to be have viable exports."
The decision brought strong criticism from environmental advocates
attending the session.
"It's extremely disappointing that now that the U.S. has finally
confirmed its enormous stockpile, it continues to fight tooth and nail
to get special treatment in the world to use a gas that will cause
increased skin cancer and a host of other environmental effects," said
Sascha Von Bismarck of the Environmental Investigation Agency.
The ozone layer protects life on earth from harmful ultraviolet
radiation. Scientists reported recently that the hole in the ozone layer
over Antarctica is the largest on record.
The Bush administration contends that the stockpiles existed before the
2005 ban and thus are not subject to a treaty rule allowing new
production only if existing, available stockpiles cannot cover the need.
U.S. officials have said the inventory is held by 35 companies and is
needed to ease growers' adjustment to the methyl bromide phase-out that
was ordered 14 years ago. At nearly 11,000 tons, it is down from more
than 18,000 tons two years ago, numbers revealed by the EPA after
conclusion of industry litigation trying to block the disclosure.
Many farmers have switched to other pesticides for a 75 percent
reduction in methyl bromide levels since 1991.
"The U.S. position is that we are appropriately managing the strategic
reserve," Drusilla Hufford, director of the Environmental Protection
Agency's stratospheric protection division, said this week. "We've drawn
it down every year."
Hufford said the United States has spent $150 million on alternative
pesticides.
"There's a lot going on, but in order to continue the progress so you
don't have supply shocks or sudden unanticipated changes in the market,
we found in the past that it is useful and helpful to the cause of ozone
protection to have that reserve," she said.