"Beekeepers in the U.S., looking for a way to stop or slow the die-offs devastating their industry, are watching their options dwindle along with the bees. Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rejected a petition [PDF] that beekeepers and environmental groups filed back in March asking EPA to stop sales of clothianidin, a pesticide believed to be harmful to bees. EPA said use of the chemical does not present an “imminent hazard” — the requirement to suspend registration of a pesticide."

"EPA defines an imminent hazard as harm that will occur 'within the one to two years necessary to complete cancellation proceedings' and said it didn’t think that was likely with clothianidin."

Claire Thompson reports for Grist July 24, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Tells Beekeepers to Buzz off Despite Chronic Bee Kills Linked to Pesticides" (Boulder Weekly) [3]