News

EPA reverses course on Dow’s Enlist Duo herbicide

In a surprise move, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn its approval of Dow AgroScience’s Enlist Duo herbicide.

In announcing its decision Wednesday, the EPA cited concerns about the herbicide’s potential impact on endangered plants and animals covered under the Endangered Species Act. The agency said new information has surfaced that could lead it to a “different decision” about restrictions on use of the herbicide.

The agency had already approved Enlist Duo for use in 15 states, including the Brownfield states of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nebraska. The herbicide was expected to see widespread use in 2016 in the battle against herbicide-resistant weeds.

A spokesman for Dow said the company is confident in the data supporting Enlist Duo. He said the company is working with EPA to “provide further assurances” and resolve any outstanding issues.

UPDATE: Dow issues a news release in response to the EPA’s actions

Following the EPA’s approval of Enlist Duo in 2014, several environmental-advocacy groups sued the agency, claiming it had failed to adequately consider the pesticide’s detrimental effects on endangered plants and animals.

Enlist Duo combines 2,4-D and glyphosate.