U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Finds Atrazine Does Not Threaten Endangered Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a court-ordered review of the herbicide atrazine on Friday. The review concluded that the proposed registration of atrazine is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any threatened or endangered species.

The agency stated that while some individual animals or plants may experience reduced growth or reproduction, these effects are not expected to occur at the species level. The review also found that atrazine is not likely to destroy or adversely modify any proposed or designated critical habitats.

Atrazine is an herbicide used on crops including corn, sugarcane, sorghum, and pineapples. It is banned in more than 60 countries. Previous assessments by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 and the International Agency for Research on Cancer in late 2025 had identified potential risks to endangered species and human health.

Reactions to the Review The Center for Biological Diversity, which brought the legal challenge that led to the review, said the science supports banning atrazine. The group stated that officials have not taken the environmental and health risks seriously.

MAHA supporters expressed concern on social media after the findings were released. One activist wrote that the United States is running one of the largest uncontrolled chemical experiments in human history. Another activist noted that atrazine is linked to reproductive dysfunction and probable cancer risks.

The review has placed the Department of Health and Human Services in a position where its prior statements on atrazine conflict with the current administration's approach to pesticide access for farmers.