The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a proposed rule that would add the monarch butterfly to the national Endangered Species List as a threatened species. The comment period, which closed on March 12, 2025 is being reopened in this notice, with a comment deadline of May 19, 2025. FWS data and projections on monarch populations provide strong support for their proposal. The current proposed rule does not address potential harm to monarchs from insecticide use, or list any exceptions, meaning that any “take” of monarchs by insecticide applications would violate the Endangered Species Act and be subject to liability. FWS is seeking input from growers and other experts on how potential impacts on monarchs from insecticide use can be mitigated to promote productive agriculture while protecting the future of this iconic butterfly species. 

Comments due May 19, 2025.