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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Jensen,Email:,EJensen@foe.org

European Union Bans Bee-Killing Neonicotinoid Pesticides

Friends of the Earth urges EPA and food retailers to follow.

WASHINGTON

The European Union (EU) governments today voted to ban the use of bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor crops.

The vote by the EU comes after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delayed regulatory action on most uses of neonicotinoids until 2018, despite receiving more than six million public comments urging the pesticide be banned in the U.S.

In response to the vote, Tiffany Finck-Haynes, senior food futures campaigner for Friends of the Earth issued the following statement:

"The EU's groundbreaking ban on bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides is a huge win for pollinators, people and the planet. Given the overwhelming body of scientific evidence and overwhelming public concern, EPA as well as leading U.S. food retailers like Kroger should take immediate action and eliminate the use of these toxic pesticides."

For more information on Friends of the Earth's work on neonicotinoids, please see the Swarming the Aisles II: Rating top retailers on pesticide reduction and organic food to protect pollinators.

Friends of the Earth fights for a more healthy and just world. Together we speak truth to power and expose those who endanger the health of people and the planet for corporate profit. We organize to build long-term political power and campaign to change the rules of our economic and political systems that create injustice and destroy nature.

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