Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford obviously thinks farmers, restaurants and other businesses should have the right to target rodents with the use of certain chemical baits.
He joined Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in challenging the Biden administration’s EPA to restrict the use of what are called “rodenticides.” Lankford and Hyde-Smith contend the new restrictions will endanger the nation’s food supply, public health and property.
They sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, asking him to work with rodenticide producers and users to develop science-based policies that would allow continued use of 11 rodent control products. In November 2022, the EPA proposed mitigation measures for rodenticides.
“The proposed mitigation measures would place severe restrictions on the use of rodenticides, hampering the ability of growers, consumers, pest control operators, restaurants, other food handling establishments, schools, health care facilities, and businesses to control rats, mice, and other rodents,” the Senators wrote.
“They would also complicate compliance with food safety regulations that require rodent control. Rather than protecting the environment, limiting access to vital rodenticides would harm the American food supply, public health, animal health and welfare, and infrastructure.”
The letter was also signed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Jim Risch (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Thune (R-SD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
The Senators’ concerns about the proposed mitigation measures are based on the fact they would, among other things: classify most of the products as restricted use pesticides; require that users become licensed, state-certified applicators; prohibit current surface (non-bait station) application methods used to protect many crops; and require growers to conduct carcass searches for two weeks after application.
Rodents are responsible for millions of dollars in damages to field crops, stored grain, and farm equipment annually, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The pest can also spread over 60 diseases to humans, companion animals, and livestock.
Read the letter here