News

Lucas grills McCarthy on glyphosate memo

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy told lawmakers at a House Science committee hearing that it was an unfortunate mistake when EPA published a memo on glyphosate in late April. The report, from the EPA’s Cancer Assessment Review committee, said glyphosate was not likely a carcinogen as was determined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Congressman Frank Lucas, “The Cancer Assessment Review Committee, they found that glyphosate is not a carcinogenic, is that correct?”

McCarthy: “Say that again?  Not likely.”

Lucas then asked EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy why the memo was marked final and then removed from the EPA website a few days later, “It was unfortunate that it was mistakenly released by a contractor, because it is still in review in the agency. And when we have an issue that’s as important as glyphosate is to the agriculture community, we want to make sure that we get the science right.” McCarthy said the memo was one step in the process.

Lucas: “When will we see the final report?”

McCarthy: “Given that it’s raised concerns we’re going to try to get it out as soon as possible.”

Lucas told McCarthy this incident is just another reason by the ag community doesn’t trust the EPA.