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Groups sue EPA over chlorpyrifos

Environmental groups are again suing the EPA over the pesticide chlorpyrifos.

The groups are suing the EPA for refusing to ban chlorpyrifos during a ruling in July. The EPA said it would expedite a review of the pesticide by 2022.

Studies have linked chlorpyrifos to neurological problems in children, but the USDA’s Office of Pest Management Policy says the safety of the insecticide is grounded in sound science.

The USDA says clorpyrifos is used on more than 50 crops. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has said the pesticide is often the only line of defense for farmers.

Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law organization, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Pesticide Action Network North America, Natural Resources Defense Council, United Farm Workers, Farmworker Association of Florida, Farmworker Justice, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, National Hispanic Medical Association, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos, Learning Disability Association of America, League of United Latin American Citizens, and California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation.