Why is the EPA's approval of dicamba controversial?

Dicamba is controversial because it has been banned twice by federal courts, and environmental groups are concerned about its links to cancer and its potential to cause widespread crop damage through drift.

What new measures has the EPA implemented for dicamba use?

The EPA has implemented measures including halving the application rate, temperature-based spraying limits, and restricting use to trained professionals to mitigate dicamba's risks.

What are the primary concerns regarding dicamba drift?

Concerns about dicamba drift include damage to non-dicamba-resistant crops, harm to orchards and trees, negative impacts on pollinator habitats, and significant reductions in honey production for beekeepers.

Home / Environment / EPA Approves Controversial Herbicide, Twice Banned

EPA Approves Controversial Herbicide, Twice Banned

9 Feb

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Summary

EPA re-approved dicamba, a herbicide previously banned twice.
Advocacy groups cite risks of cancer and widespread crop damage.
New restrictions aim to mitigate drift, but concerns remain.

EPA Approves Controversial Herbicide, Twice Banned

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the herbicide dicamba, a substance that has faced two previous federal court bans. Environmental and health advocacy groups have expressed serious concerns, citing studies linking dicamba exposure to increased cancer risks, including colon and pancreatic cancers. Dicamba is known for its volatility, leading to significant crop damage through drift, with an estimated 15 million acres of soybeans affected in 2018 alone.

The EPA's latest decision, announced on February 6, 2026, establishes what the agency calls "the strongest protections in agency history." These include halving the application rate, imposing temperature-based spraying limits, and restricting use to trained professionals. The agency stated this approval is crucial for supporting cotton and soybean farmers who rely on dicamba to combat herbicide-resistant weeds that threaten crop yields and farm viability.