OK, it appears that the List is finally getting to the actual lawsuit.  The
basis for the lawsuit was that EPA didn't follow its own rules.

It's an example of "the system" working.  When EPA proposed the
 registration of sulfoxaflor, beekeeper groups protested in face-to-face
meetings, as well as by formal submitted comments.  Despite some scientists
at EPA being willing to work with us, and begging us not to bring suit, the
higher ups at EPA went ahead and granted the registrant full registration.

This left the beekeepers with no recourse other than to bring suit in order
to push EPA to follow its own guidelines for testing.
It's unfortunate that it had to go as far as a lawsuit, which is a needless
waste of resources, but sometimes that's what it takes.

The good news for pollinators is that the regulatory agencies are starting
to call for higher tier testing--such as for effects on brood and long-term
effects.  This judgement will likely put pressure on EPA to be more
diligent in waiting until the calls for data are completely in.

FWIW, the independent companies that perform such testing for the
registrants are licking their chops in anticipation of increased business.
They are consulting with beekeepers and gearing up their abilities to
perform more testing on bees.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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