Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan is joining five other states in a lawsuit challenging an EPA decision that allows continued use of a pesticide.
Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide used on a variety of crops including fruits and vegetables. According to Donovan’s office, it has been documented to harm development and functioning of the central nervous system and brain and EPA's scientists have twice been unable to identify a safe level for the pesticide on food.
In 2015 and in 2016 the EPA issued proposed regulations to revoke all allowable levels but in 2017, then newly appointed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt issued an order to allow continued use.
Seven states contested the order which EPA subsequently denied. Vermont, Massachusetts, New York and 3 other states have now filed suit saying the EPA is violating federal law.