Federal Review on Weedkiller Sparks Backlash from Environment and Health Groups

"Advocates for environmental and human health protections are seeking to challenge a decision by US regulators that they say will allow the continued use of atrazine, a commonly used herbicide linked to cancer and other health problems.

The April opinion by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) concluded that atrazine does not pose an extinction risk to threatened or endangered wildlife. The opinion has been met with outrage from environmental and health advocates, who say there is clear scientific evidence that atrazine poses risks to both wildlife and humans.

The decision marks the latest step in a years-long battle over the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ongoing registration review of atrazine. The EPA was legally required to consult with the FWS to ensure that reauthorizing atrazine would not violate the Endangered Species Act. The FWS opinion will now be used by the EPA to determine if atrazine meets federal safety standards for continued registration."

Julie Zenderoudi reports for The New Lede June 5, 2026. 

Source: The New Lede, 06/08/2026