Mr. Benbrook implies he was dismissed because he criticized the pesticide industry.

The bills are opposed by the pesticide industry.

Mr. Johnson said that in three or four recent cases, the agency had looked at human tests submitted by the pesticide industry.

The pesticide industry contends that its products are perfectly safe and that buying bugs is a needless expense.

Environmental groups complain that the government is getting its advice from the pesticide industry.

To fight the measure, the California Chamber of Commerce and the pesticide industry are mounting a campaign that opponents assert will cost $16 million.

It is also likely that the pesticide industry will ask Congress to amend the law so as to pre-empt local regulation.

The EPA relies almost exclusively on studies conducted by the pesticide industry or its paid consultants.

In addition, the availability of official statistics all over Europe would enhance market transparency and improve the competitiveness of the pesticide industry.

What the pesticide industry wants is that we do not set any criteria.