The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received a request from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to allow the use of the pesticide clothianidin on up to 75,000 acres of young citrus trees to fight Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. This exemption request, repeated for several years, argues that without clothianidin, farmers might face significant financial losses as there are limited alternative solutions available. The EPA is asking for public comments before deciding whether to approve this exemption. Comments must be submitted by January 29, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The EPA is asking people what they think about using a special spray to help Florida farmers protect young orange trees from getting sick, but some are worried that using this spray too much might not be safe for nature or other animals.