Wisconsin Ag Connection - Johnson Wants EPA to Explain Why They Want Atrazine Banned

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Johnson Wants EPA to Explain Why They Want Atrazine Banned
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/27/2016

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson is stepping into the controversial argument over the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to ban atrazine in farming practices. The Oshkosh Republican, who's in a tough race for re-election this fall, wrote EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy about her agency's recent draft risk assessment that recommended increasing the restrictions on the commonly used herbicide.

"In its most risk recent assessment, the EPA reportedly recommended significantly reducing atrazine levels compared to what is currently deemed as acceptable," Johnson wrote in the letter. "The EPA must conduct transparent and objective scientific studies when reviewing herbicides and pesticides. Farmers in Wisconsin and across the country deserve to know what factors the EPA considers when deciding whether to restrict farmers' access to vital agricultural tools."

Johnson adds that state and national agriculture groups have expressed concerns about the costs associated with the EPA's recommendations on atrazine.

"According to one stakeholder, studies suggest farming without atrazine could cost corn farmers up to $30-59 per acre in yield loss and added tillage, while negatively impacting water and nutrient management, which are key concerns of our state's pork producers."

In June, EPA issued a draft Ecological Risk Assessment that recommended reducing the level of atrazine by nearly three times less than current levels; and seven times less than scientific studies have indicated as acceptable. Opponents say these levels would effectively ban the use of atrazine in nearly 100 herbicide mixes.

Atrazine is an herbicide used for weed control in growing corn and other crops. Farmers have until October 4 to comment on EPA's proposed atrazine risk assessment.

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