ADMINISTRATION URGED TO PUSH FOR MORE METHYL BROMIDE EXEMPTIONS

House Republicans and industry officials are increasing pressure on the Bush administration to urge an international body governing the phaseout of the controversial pesticide methyl bromide to expand the yearly exemptions allowed for using the ozone-depleting substance. Industry has long sought exemptions for methyl bromide under the Montreal Protocol, a treaty aimed at protecting the stratospheric ozone layer, because it claims alternatives do not exist and the pesticide is needed to protect crops, such as strawberries. Republican and industry sources...