EPA wins new chance to argue against pesticide ban

The Trump administration has persuaded a U.S. appeals court to reconsider its recent decision ordering the Environmental Protection Agency to ban the widely-used pesticide chlorpyrifos, which critics say can harm children and farmers. Wednesday’s order means an 11-judge appeals court panel will reconsider the case. Chlorpyrifos, developed as a nerve gas in World War Two, has been used commercially in the United States since 1965. Groups that challenged Pruitt’s ruling included the Natural Resources Defense Council and the United Farm Workers. If the 9th Circuit upholds Pruitt’s original ruling, it will be a win for President Donald Trump, who along with other Republicans has long criticized what is widely viewed as one of the more liberal federal appeals courts. In seeking a rehearing, the EPA said the appeals court lacked jurisdiction to review Pruitt’s ruling, and otherwise should have simply directed him to reconsider the evidence rather than order a ban. The EPA is now overseen by acting administrator Andrew Wheeler. A spokeswoman said the agency is pleased the case will be reheard, and that federal rules allowing the pesticide’s use “can continue, as permitted by state law,” during the appeals process...MORE