Joint Statement of Cooperation Between EPA and FWS to Help Protect Endangered Species and Support Sustainable Agriculture
On January 14, 2025, EPA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) signed a Joint Statement of Cooperation to better align EPA’s strategies for protecting endangered species from exposure to pesticides with FWS’s consultation processes. This coordination will help EPA meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act and allows both agencies to increase the efficiency of consultations which are required when pesticide actions may affect endangered species. Improving consultation efficiency increases flexibility for the agricultural community and keeps pest management tools in farmers’ hands, while protecting endangered species.