Environment

Pesticide that destroys ozone OK'd for U.S. use
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.

Saturday, November 4, 2006

Pesticide that destroys ozone OK'd for U.S. use

By RITA BEAMISH
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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 such as 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.

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 alternatives 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 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 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 an 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.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/291107_ozone04.html

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