Colorado groups gear up for pesticide debate

GREELEY – The state of Colorado is reviewing regulations related to pesticide use for agriculture, stirring debate among agribusiness and pesticide opposition groups.

The state Department of Regulatory Agencies is reviewing the Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act, the state law governing use of pesticides in agriculture and other settings that expires July 1, 2015.

Farmers say pesticides are crucial for their operations to produce key crops for food and animal feed. Opponents of pesticides contend the chemicals are unsafe and may be responsible for destroying bee colonies.

The review by the Department of Regulatory Agencies is a typical evaluation of laws…