Agriculture News and Alerts

We've selected these news releases, reports, and other documents from around EPA because they are of interest or direct importance to the environmental management or compliance efforts of the agricultural community.

October 23, 2024

EPA Holds Virtual Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Meeting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on November 13 and November 14, 2024, from 11:00AM – 5:00PM (EST). The PPDC provides feedback to EPA on pesticide regulatory, policy and program issues and includes representatives from environmental groups, pesticide manufacturers, trade associations, academia and federal and state agencies.

October 18, 2024

EPA Registers New Herbicide Active Ingredient Glufosinate-P
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is registering the new active ingredient glufosinate-P that controls weeds in conventional and glufosinate-resistant field corn, sweet corn, soybean, cotton, and canola. In addition to its final registration decision, EPA is also releasing its final biological evaluation for the active ingredient under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This action is consistent with EPA’s obligations under the ESA and furthers the goals outlined in EPA’s April 2022 ESA Workplan.

October 16, 2024

EPA Updates Mitigation Menu Website with Options to Protect Nontarget Species from Pesticide Runoff
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its mitigation menu website to include all current measures to reduce exposure to nontarget species from pesticide runoff from agricultural uses. The menu provides growers with options for reducing runoff as part of future pesticide labels that implement EPA’s Final Herbicide Strategy from August 2024.

October 11, 2024

EPA Releases Pesticide and Endangered Species Educational Resources Toolbox
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an online toolbox with educational materials related to pesticides and endangered species -- another step in the agency’s efforts to protect endangered species, support farmers, and provide critical environmental protections for communities across the country.

October 10, 2024

EPA Releases Interim Guidance to Expand Availability of Virus Claims to Additional Antimicrobial Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released interim guidance describing how registrants of antimicrobial products may add label claims that sanitizing products (e.g., household antimicrobial wipes and sprays) are effective against viruses. If laboratory data indicate that a product registered only with sanitizing claims meets EPA's criteria for efficacy against viruses, the product can include claims against viruses on its label. New virucidal claims for sanitizers rely on the same performance and testing standards currently used to assess products efficacy against disinfectants with virus claims. The guidance is expected to expand the availability of antimicrobial products that are effective against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which provides more products for reducing the spread of illnesses, including products that generally use lower amounts of active ingredients.

October 9, 2024

EPA Finalizes Framework for Interagency Collaboration on Resistance Risks Associated with Antibacterial and Antifungal Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its framework for expanding federal collaboration on the review of antibacterial and antifungal pesticides. To develop the framework, EPA coordinated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the oversight of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The framework establishes a process for EPA to consider input from the other federal agencies when evaluating whether antibacterial or antifungal pesticides might result in the development or spread of resistance and reduce the effectiveness of some human and animal antibacterial and antifungal drugs.

October 8, 2024

EPA Approves New California-Specific Labels for Sulfoxaflor with Additional Protections for Threatened and Endangered Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved new California-only labels for the insecticide sulfoxaflor that include new mitigations to protect federally threatened and endangered (listed) species and designated critical habitats in California. The two sulfoxaflor product labels are approved for use on many commercial crops, including corn, wheat, and rice.

Addition of Certain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 16 individually listed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of toxic chemicals subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) to comply with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA). EPA also addresses how PFAS categories should be treated. Separately, EPA discusses what events may trigger the automatic addition of a PFAS to the TRI pursuant to the NDAA. This discussion does not propose to list chemicals to TRI pursuant to the NDAA, but rather describes what EPA documents and activities involving PFAS would trigger an automatic addition under the NDAA.

October 4, 2024

EPA Announces $30 Million to Help Small and Rural Communities Protect Public Health, Drinking Water, and Local Waterways
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding for technical assistance and training to support small drinking water and wastewater systems, many serving rural communities, and to help private well owners improve water quality.

Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Reconsideration of the Application Exclusion Zone Amendments
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is finalizing revisions to the application exclusion zone (AEZ) requirements in the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). EPA has determined that several aspects of the AEZ provisions, such as those regarding the applicability of the AEZ and distance determination criteria, should be revised to reinstate previous requirements that better protect public health and limit exposure for those who may be near ongoing pesticide applications. To restore these protections, EPA is finalizing the AEZ rule proposed on March 13, 2023, as proposed without change.

October 2, 2024

EPA Finalizes Rule to Protect Farmworkers, Families and Communities from Pesticide Exposures
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing a final rule to restore the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The AEZ is an area surrounding outdoor pesticide application equipment where people are prohibited while pesticides are applied. This rule finalizes the agency’s 2023 proposed rule without change and advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice, protecting farmworkers, pesticide handlers, their families and agricultural communities. It reinstates AEZ protections, extends protections for neighboring communities, makes requirements easier to understand, and provides flexibilities for family farms without compromising protections.

EPA, FDA, and USDA Release Tool to Help Biotechnology Developers Navigate Regulatory Landscape
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are releasing a new web-based tool on the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation for companies that develop microbial biotechnology products. Biotechnology products include plants, animals, and microorganisms developed through genetic engineering or the targeted manipulation of genetic information. The tool provides a starting point for researchers and developers, especially those new to biotechnology product development, to navigate the regulatory requirements for genetically modified microorganisms. This advancement helps meet the President’s goals, outlined in Executive Order 14081, of ensuring public confidence in the biotechnology regulatory system and improving its transparency, predictability, coordination, and efficiency.

EPA Proposes to Expand Public Access to Information on More Than One Hundred PFAS “Forever Chemicals” and Support Needed Pollution Prevention Efforts
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 16 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories representing more than 100 individual PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). It would also designate them as chemicals of special concern so they must meet more robust reporting requirements, including reporting even for small concentrations. This proposed expansion of TRI would advance the commitments of the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to address the health and environmental impacts of PFAS by promoting pollution prevention, and informing the public about environmental releases of these so called “forever chemicals.” This proposal also advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice as well as the Administration’s commitment to ending cancer as we know it as part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot by helping to connect the public and regulatory agencies with data to help inform decision-making with regard to chemicals with toxicity, including cancer, concerns because people can use TRI data to identify sources of pollution in their communities and ways that facilities can eliminate or reduce such pollution.

October 1, 2024

EPA Announces Funding Opportunities to Support Farmworker Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing three new funding opportunities to support pesticide safety education for farmworkers, training for health care providers to better address pesticide-related illness, and technical assistance to support managing these grants. A total of almost $10 million will be awarded to at least four grantees to carry out this work over five years.

EPA Announces Next Steps to Protect Endangered Species from Chlorpyrifos
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing additional measures to protect federally threatened or endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitats from the effects of chlorpyrifos. The measures include new product labels containing additional protections and Endangered Species Protection Bulletins that set geographically specific limitations on pesticide use. Collectively, these measures will not only protect listed species but also reduce exposure to non-listed species.

October 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Sulfentrazone; Pesticide Tolerances
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) proposes to establish tolerances for residues of sulfentrazone in or on corn, pop, grain and corn, pop, stover under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (October 3)
• Pesticide Reregistration Performance Measures and Goals; Annual Progress Report for 2020, 2021 and 2022; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the availability of EPA’s progress report in meeting its performance measures and goals for pesticide reregistration during fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022. This progress report also presents the total number of products registered under the ‘‘fast-track’’ provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (October 3)
• Flazasulfuron; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of flazasulfuron in or on Avocado. ISK Biosciences Corporation requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (October 7)
• EPA Settles with U.S. Jaclean Inc. over Sale of Unregistered Disinfectants, Purported Health Products
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with U.S. Jaclean Inc. regarding claims of illegal distribution or sale of unregistered and misbranded disinfectants and other pesticide products in violation of federal pesticide law. The sale and distribution of such products violates the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Under the settlement, the company will pay a penalty of over $250,000. (October 7)
• EPA Settles with Maui Varieties over Import and Sale of Illegal Disinfectants
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Maui Varieties Ltd. (dba HouseMart) over claims of illegal import and distribution of 23 types of unregistered pesticides and two misbranded pesticide devices – including purported disinfectant or antimicrobial health products – through Daiso locations across Hawai‘i. Company to pay one of largest federal pesticides penalties: $314,747. (October 10)
• EPA Proposes Settlement for Claims Relating to Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed plan to settle legal claims on the Agency's implementation of the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). EPA is providing a 30-day public comment period on the proposed plan. (October 11)
• Pesticide Registration Maintenance Fee: Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellation of certain pesticide products in association with fiscal year 2023 maintenance fee invoicing and collection. Table 1 of Unit III lists those products for which registrants have voluntarily requested cancellation pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Table 3 of Unit III lists those products that EPA is cancelling for non-payment of annual maintenance fees, pursuant to FIFRA. (October 16)
• EPA Finalizes Cancellation of the Pesticide Dacthal
  On Oct. 22, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the cancellation of all products containing the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (October 22)
• Dimethyl Tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA); Final Cancellation Order for Pesticide Registrations
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is hereby announcing EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit II., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This action cancels the last remaining products containing Dimethyl Tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) in the U.S. (October 23)
• Extension of Time-Limited Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions
  This regulation extends time-limited tolerances for residues of the pesticides sodium salt of acifluorfen in or on Beet, sugar, roots and Beet, sugar, leaves; thiamethoxam in or on Rice, grain and Rice, straw; and clothianidin in or on Rice, grain. These actions are in response to EPA’s granting of emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of these pesticides. In addition, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires EPA to establish a time-limited tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA. (October 25)
• Metamitron; Receipt of Applications for Emergency Exemptions, Solicitation of Public Comment
  EPA has received specific exemption requests from the Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wyoming Departments of Agriculture to use the pesticide metamitron (CAS No. 41394– 05–2) to treat up to 116,902 acres of sugar beets (22,468 in CO; 14,400 in ID; 47,025 in NE; 1,629 in OR; and 31,380 in WY), to control the invasive weed, Palmer amaranth. The applicants propose the use of a new chemical which has not been registered by EPA. EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemption. (October 25)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decision for chlorine gas. In addition, this notice announces the closure of the registration review case for metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y–27328 because the last U.S. registrations for this pesticide have been canceled. (October 28)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s work plans and registration review case dockets for the following chemicals: capsaicin and related capsaicinoids; cis-jasmone; cyantraniliprole; GS-omega/kappa-Hxtx[1]Hv1a; male sea lamprey mating pheromone [3-Ketopetromyzonol-24- sulfate, ammonium salt]; methyl dihydrojasmolate (cyclopentaneacetic acid, 3- hydroxy- 2-pentyl-, methyl ester); methyl jasmonate; natamycin; prohydrojasmon (PDJ), propyl-3-oxo-2- pentylcyclo-pentylacetate; and tobacco mild green mosaic tobamovirus strain U2. EPA is opening a 60-day public comment period for these work plans and case dockets. (October 28)
• Glufosinate-P; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of glufosinate-P in or on multiple commodities, which are identified and discussed later in this document. BASF Corporation and MITSUI Chemicals Crop & Life Solutions, INC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (October 29)

September 27, 2024

EPA Announces Selection of Members to the Science Advisory Board and the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced selections for membership of the Science Advisory Board (SAB) and the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). The well-qualified experts bring a cross-selection of scientific disciplines and the experience needed to provide sound scientific advice to EPA leadership to help advance the agency’s mission. 

September 26, 2024

EPA Finalizes Plan to Protect Vulnerable Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its Vulnerable Species Action Plan (VSAP), finalizing its transition from its June 2023 Vulnerable Species Pilot (VSP) in order to help conserve federally threatened and endangered (listed) species from pesticides. As part of implementing EPA’s Endangered Species Act Workplan, the VSAP is intended to provide a framework for EPA to adopt early, meaningful protections to address potential impacts for listed species that EPA identifies as particularly “vulnerable” to pesticides.

EPA Announces 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Award to PhoSul LLC of Sugar City, Idaho
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for new and innovative green chemistry technologies. This year’s winners have developed chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances, use less energy, and are more sustainable. PhoSul LLC, of Sugar City, Idaho, received the Green Chemistry Challenge Award for making phosphate fertilizer that avoids hazardous chemicals and waste emissions associated with traditional phosphate fertilizer production, such as strong acids, heavy metals, and radioactive materials.

September 25, 2024

EPA Announces $49 million in Technical Assistance to Help Rural, Small, and Tribal Communities Address Wastewater Challenges
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $49 million in new technical assistance funding to help rural, small and Tribal communities address critical wastewater and water quality challenges. The new funding will be awarded to technical assistance providers who will help communities identify their water infrastructure needs and guide them toward appropriate funding options. This action advances the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to environmental justice.

September 24, 2024

EPA Publishes Report as Part of Agency Strategy to Reduce Animal Testing
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a detailed review of major environmental statutes that summarizes which EPA laws or regulations require vertebrate animal testing, such as laboratory testing done on rats, mice or rabbits. The report concludes that many statutes and regulations guiding EPA’s authority are broadly written and do not preclude the use of scientific information from New Approach Methods (NAMs), which are defined as any technology, methodology, approach, or combination that can provide information on chemical hazard and risk assessment to avoid the use of animal testing.

September 16, 2024

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $117 Million in Grants Available to Advance Recycling Infrastructure and Prevent Wasted Food
As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $117 million for three separate funding opportunities to advance recycling infrastructure and boost food waste prevention education across the country. Two of the notices are for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants – one funding opportunity for Tribes and intertribal consortia and another for communities (such as cities, counties, and parishes) across the country. The third notice is for EPA’s Recycling Education and Outreach grant program and is focused on food waste prevention and composting. All three opportunities are made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided the largest EPA investment in recycling in more than 30 years.

EPA Proposes to Register New Antimicrobial Active Ingredient Glycerol Formate
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment its proposed registration decision for pesticide products containing the new active ingredient glycerol formate. Products containing glycerol formate are intended to be used in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, medical premises and nursing homes) as a disinfectant for hard non-porous, non-food contact surfaces (e.g., stretchers) for bacteria, spores, and viruses, and as a sanitizer for soft surfaces (100% cotton or 100% polyester) for staphylococcus aureus and klebsiella aerogenes, which can cause serious infections. Glycerol formate is the first new antimicrobial active ingredient to be proposed for registration in four years.

September 12, 2024

EPA Awards Two Texas Institutions $3.2 Million for Research on PFAS Exposure and Reduction in Agriculture
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $3.2 million in total research grant funding for two Texas institutions for research to reduce per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure from food and protect our farmlands and farming communities. The recipient institutions receiving this funding are Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University, both institutions will receive $1,600,000 each. These community-engaged research projects will collect PFAS bioaccumulation data in agricultural plants and livestock and explore strategies for reducing PFAS exposure, which are important parts of EPA’s commitment to protecting human health and the environment from PFAS.

September 11, 2024

EPA Launches New Website to Support the Development of Climate-Resilient Projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the launch of a new website, the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Funding Toolbox. CRAFT is a user-friendly resource for technical assistance providers working with federal funding applicants and recipients to develop, apply for and implement climate-resilient investments. The website provides simple, easy-to-understand resources that can help users consider climate adaptation and resilience before, during and after applying for EPA funding opportunities.

September 6, 2024

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7.5 billion in Available Financing for Water Infrastructure Projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $7.5 billion of Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding. The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost.

September 4, 2024

EPA Awards $15 Million for Research on PFAS Exposure and Reduction in Agriculture
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced over $15 million in research grant funding to ten institutions for research to reduce per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure from food and protect our farmlands and farming communities. These community-engaged research projects will collect PFAS bioaccumulation data in agricultural plants and livestock and explore strategies for reducing PFAS exposure, which are important parts of EPA’s commitment to protecting human health and the environment from PFAS.

September 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides (Capric (Decanoic) Acid, Caprylic (Octanoic) Acid, and Pelargonic (Nonanoic) Acid)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to implement several tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). During registration review, EPA reviews all aspects of a pesticide case, including existing tolerances, to ensure that the pesticide continues to meet the standard for registration under FIFRA. The pesticide tolerances and active ingredients addressed in this rulemaking are identified and discussed in detail in Unit III. of the document. (September 6)
• Saflufenacil; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes new tolerances for residues of saflufenacil in or on Mint, dried leaves and Mint, fresh leaves and crop group expansions for Fruit, citrus, group 10– 10; Fruit, pome, group 11–10; Fruit, stone, group 12–12; and Nut, tree, group 14–12. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (September 9)
• Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Amend Registrations To Terminate Asparagus Use
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of request by Gharda Chemicals International, Inc. (Gharda) to voluntarily amend one chlorpyrifos registration to terminate use on asparagus. EPA intends to grant this request at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit further review of the request, or unless the registrant withdraws its request. If, and after, this request is granted, any sale, distribution, or use of the product listed in this notice would need to be consistent with the terms as described in the final cancellation order. (September 16)
• EPA Issues Update to Existing Stocks Provisions for One Chlorpyrifos Product
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an amendment to the existing stocks provisions for the Kaizen Technologies LLC (Kaizen) chlorpyrifos end-use product “Bifenchlor” to allow for sale, distribution, and use for a limited time. The 2023 court decision vacating the 2021 chlorpyrifos tolerance revocation rule reinstated tolerances for products that registrants had previously voluntarily cancelled. Granting this amendment ensures greater consistency across chlorpyrifos products. (September 16)
• EPA Settles with Paradise City over the Sale of Illegal Disinfectants on Oahu
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Paradise City Group LLC over claims of illegal sales of unregistered or misbranded pesticide products, including questionable disinfectants and antimicrobials, at their store in Pearl City, Oahu. (September 18)
• EPA announces settlement with Invicta Watch Company of America for alleged violations of FIFRA
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today a settlement with Invicta Watch Company of America (Invicta Watch) for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Under the settlement, the company will pay a $119,880 civil penalty. (September 19)
• EPA Orders Med Solutions to Stop Selling and Distributing Certain Ultraviolet Light-Based Antimicrobial Products
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order (SSURO) to Med Solutions LLC (Med Solutions), a company based in Cumming, Georgia, relating to certain ultraviolet light-based antimicrobial devices. These devices were marketed under a variety of product names, including UV Medico, Aquisense PearlAqua, Fresh-Aire UV Air Handler System, TruSens, UV Angel, Violux Luma Pro+, and Kepri. EPA investigations found that the company was marketing, selling, and distributing these products in ways that were inconsistent with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and EPA’s regulations. (September 19)
• Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Renewal of an Existing ICR Collection and Request for Comment; Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program Annual Measures Reporting
  In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), this document announces the availability of and solicits public comment on the following Information Collection Request (ICR) that EPA is planning to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): ‘‘Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program Annual Measures Reporting,’’ identified by EPA ICR No. 2415.05 and OMB Control No. 2070–0188. This ICR represents a renewal of an existing ICR that is currently approved through July 31, 2025. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval under the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information collection that is summarized in this document. The ICR and accompanying material are available in the docket for public review and comment. (September 23)
• EPA settlement with Superior Farms resolves chemical risk violations at North Denver facility
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a Clean Air Act (CAA) settlement with Mountain Meadows Lamb Corporation, doing business as Superior Farms, Inc., which resolves alleged violations of toxic chemical-related regulations at the North Denver meat processing facility located 4900 Clarkson Street, Denver, Colorado. (September 25)
• EPA Reaches Settlement with Underwater Creations Inc. in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, for Alleged Pesticide Violations
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Underwater Creations Inc. of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, to stop the sale of unregistered pesticide products. The settlement requires the company to stop production and pay a $226,652 penalty.  (September 27) 

August 28, 2024

EPA Announces Voluntary Cancellation for the Pesticide Dacthal
Following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s emergency suspension of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal), the agency is initiating a process to cancel all products containing DCPA. On Aug. 19, 2024, EPA received a letter from AMVAC Chemical Corporation (AMVAC) stating its intent to voluntarily cancel the remaining pesticide products containing DCPA in the United States, and subsequently announced it intended to cancel all international registrations as well.

August 27, 2024

EPA Publishes New Resources on Bilingual Pesticide Labeling
The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5) requires the safety and health portions of pesticide product labels to be translated into Spanish. Spanish is the primary language for most American farmworkers. This effort advances environmental justice by making health and safety information on pesticide labels more accessible, fostering better understanding and compliance with label instructions.

August 21, 2024

EPA Appoints New Members to the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has appointed a new chair and two new members and reappointed two current members to serve on the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP).

August 20, 2024

EPA Finalizes First-of-its-Kind Strategy to Protect 900 Endangered Species from Herbicides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its final Herbicide Strategy, an unprecedented step in protecting over 900 federally endangered and threatened (listed) species from the potential impacts of herbicide, which are chemicals used to control weeds. EPA will use the strategy to identify measures to reduce the amount of herbicides exposure to these species when it registers new herbicides and when it reevaluates registered herbicides under a process called registration review. The final strategy incorporates a wide range of stakeholder input, ensuring EPA not only protects species but also preserves a wide range of pesticides for farmers and growers.

Biden-Harris Administration Awards $25.5 Million in New Grants to Combat Impact of Climate Change on Drinking Water Infrastructure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $25.5 million in grants through a new program to support drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities while reducing impacts of climate change. This is the first time EPA is awarding funding under the Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, with the 16 inaugural selectees spanning Connecticut to Alaska.

August 12, 2024

Register for EPA’s Webinar on Draft Strategy to Better Protect Endangered Species from Insecticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public webinar on September 5, 2024, from 1-2 PM ET to provide an overview of its draft Insecticide Strategy. Released on July 25, 2024, the draft strategy furthers the agency’s work to adopt early, practical protections for federally endangered and threatened (listed) species and designated critical habitats from the use of conventional agricultural insecticides.

August 6, 2024

EPA Issues Emergency Order to Stop Use of Pesticide Dacthal to Address Serious Health Risk
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the emergency suspension of all registrations of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This is the first time in almost 40 years EPA has taken this type of emergency action, following several years of unprecedented efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to require the submission of long-overdue data and then assess and address the risk this pesticide poses.

August 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (June 2024)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (August 2)
• Potassium Carbonate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of potassium carbonate in or on all food commodities when used as a biochemical fungicide in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Biofungitek, S.L. submitted a petition, pursuant to section 408(d) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for the biochemical pesticide potassium carbonate. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of potassium carbonate under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (August 5)
• EPA Reaches $584,000 Settlement with RBL Products in Detroit, Michigan, for Allegedly Selling Unregistered Pesticide Products
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with RBL Products Inc. located at 6040 Russell St., Detroit, Michigan, for allegedly selling unregistered pesticide products in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The company has stopped producing and selling the pesticide products and will pay a $584,000 penalty. (August 5)
• Ethanol, 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris, Compd. With α-Hydro-hydroxypoly (Oxy-1,2- ethanediyl) Ether With N-[4-[[4-[Bis(2- hydroxyethyl)amino]phenyl](2,4- disulfophenyl)methylene]-2,5- cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-2-hydroxy-N- (2-hydroxyethyl)ethanaminium Inner Salt (1:4:1); Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of ethanol, 2,2′,2’’- nitrilotris, compd. with a-hydrohydroxypoly (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) ether with N-[4-[[4-[bis(2- hydroxyethyl)amino]phenyl](2,4- disulfophenyl)methylene]-2,5- cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-2-hydroxy-N- (2-hydroxyethyl)ethanaminium inner salt (1:4:1) when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Spring Regulatory Sciences, on behalf of Heubach Colorants USA LLC., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of ethanol, 2,2′,2″- nitrilotris, compd. with a-hydrohydroxypoly (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) ether with N-[4-[[4-[bis(2- hydroxyethyl)amino]phenyl](2,4- disulfophenyl)methylene]-2,5- cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-2-hydroxy-N- (2-hydroxyethyl)ethanaminium inner salt (1:4:1) on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions. (August 6)
• EPA Issues Final Cancellation and Termination of Uses Order for Several Chlorpyrifos Products
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final order terminating food processing plant (food and non-food area) uses for Chemstarr’s chlorpyrifos product “Chlorpyrifos 61.5% MUP” and food uses for Tide International’s chlorpyrifos product “Chlorpyrifos 4 EC.” EPA is also cancelling two Central Garden & Pet chlorpyrifos products “Equil Chlorpyrifos ULV 1” and “Equil Chlorpyrifos ULV 2.” EPA published the Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants to voluntarily cancel or terminate uses for these product registrations on April 3, 2024, which was open for public comment until May 3, 2024. The Agency received two comments on this notice. After considering these comments, the Agency is finalizing its decision to accept the registrants’ voluntary requests to cancel or terminate uses for these products. Any distribution, sale, or use of existing stocks of these products is permitted only in accordance with the terms of the final order and existing stocks provisions of the final order. (August 7)
• Ophioglossum pendulum IPD079Ea Protein; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Ophioglossum pendulum IPD079Ea protein (hereafter IPD079Ea protein) when used as a plant incorporated protectant (PIP) in or on the food and feed commodities of corn: corn, field; corn, sweet, and corn, pop. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of IPD079Ea protein. (August 8)
• Indoxacarb; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of indoxacarb in or on multiple crops listed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 8)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (June 2024)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (August 8)
• Kasugamycin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of kasugamycin in or on tea, dried. UPL Delaware, Inc. (UPL) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 12)
• Bacillus Paralicheniformis Strain CH0273; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus paralicheniformis strain CH0273 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Chr. Hansen, Inc., submitted a petition to the EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Bacillus paralicheniformis strain CH0273 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (August 12)
• Bacillus Subtilis Strain CH4000; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus subtilis strain CH4000 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Chr. Hansen Inc., submitted a petition to the EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Bacillus subtilis strain CH4000 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (August 12)
• Gebbers Farms pays $17,000 penalty for failing to protect workers from pesticides
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Gebbers Farms Inc. of Brewster, Washington has agreed to pay a $17,078 penalty for violations of Worker Protection Standard requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. (August 14)
• EPA Issues Order to Menard Inc. of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Stop the Sale of Unregistered Pesticide Products
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Menard Inc. of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to immediately stop the sale and distribution of unregistered pesticides in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. (August 15)
• Oxirane, phenyl-, polymer With oxirane, mono(dihydrogen phosphate), decyl ether in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of oxirane, phenyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(dihydrogen phosphate), decyl ether, minimum number average molecular weight 1300 Daltons (CAS Reg. No. 308336–53–0) when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Evonik Corporation, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of oxirane, phenyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(dihydrogen phosphate), decyl ether on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions. (August 23)
• Bacillus Licheniformis Strain 414–01; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus licheniformis strain 414–01 in or on food commodities. when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. UPL NA, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Bacillus licheniformis strain 414–01 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (August 23)
• Ethaboxam; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of ethaboxam in or on leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 23)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (July 2024)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (August 23)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (July 2024)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (August 23)
• EPA Region 7 Orders Grocery Distributors in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska to Stop Sale of Illegal Fabuloso Disinfectant Products
  On Aug. 8, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 ordered three grocery distributors to stop the sale and distribution of certain Fabuloso household disinfectant products. (August 26)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (July 2024)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (August 27)
• EPA Fines Walmart and Hartz Mountain for Violating Federal Pesticide Law in Colby, Kansas
  National retailer Walmart Inc. and pet product manufacturer The Hartz Mountain Corporation will each pay a civil penalty to settle alleged violations of federal pesticide law at Walmart’s Colby, Kansas, location. (August 27)
• Pseudomonas Chlororaphis IPD072Aa Protein; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas chlororaphis IPD072Aa protein in or on maize (hereafter IPD072Aa protein) when used as a Plant-Incorporated Protectant (PIP) in or on the food and feed commodities of corn: corn, field; corn, sweet; and corn, pop. Pioneer HiBred International, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of IPD072Aa protein. (August 28)
• Pesticides; Final Guidance and Test Method for Antimicrobial Product Efficacy Claims Against Planktonic Legionella Pneumophila in Cooling Tower Water; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the availability of the final guidance and test method for adding efficacy claims to antimicrobial products for use in cooling tower water to reduce the level of planktonic Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila). The method and guidance describe quantitative efficacy testing of antimicrobial products to support claims for the reduction of planktonic L. pneumophila in water within cooling tower systems and how to prepare an application for registration. The guidance does not address adherent or sessile bacteria that attach to a surface (e.g., biofilm) of the cooling tower system or any other microorganism other than L. pneumophila which may be found in the water of cooling tower systems. (August 28)
• Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), and Its Metabolite Diacetylethylenediamine (DAED); Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), including its metabolites and degradates, on or applied to food contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy processing equipment, and food processing equipment and utensils. This tolerance exemption is established on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), in order to implement the tolerance actions EPA identified during its review of this chemical as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (August 29)
• Lactic Acid and L-Lactic Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation removes the duplicative exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of lactic acid and l-lactic acid, herein referred to as l-lactic acid, when applied/used in dairy processing equipment and food processing equipment and utensils. In addition, the Agency is amending an existing exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for lactic acid to also include l-lactic acid. The Agency is also establishing exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of l-lactic acid when used as a fruit and vegetable wash in or on all raw agricultural commodities, and for indirect or inadvertent residues of llactic acid in or on all livestock commodities, when residues are present therein as a result of animal drinking water coming into contact with hard non-porous surfaces treated with l-lactic acid (i.e., troughs). These tolerance exemptions are established on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), in order to implement the tolerance actions EPA identified during its review of this chemical as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (August 29)
• Phenol; Revoking Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation revokes the tolerance exemption for residues of the antimicrobial pesticide ingredient phenol when used as an inert ingredient (solvent/cosolvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops. This rulemaking is established on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to implement a tolerance action the Agency determined was appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for phenol. (August 30)

July 30, 2024

EPA Announces Next Steps to Protect People from Sulfuryl Fluoride used to Fumigate Residential Structures
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that it has approved additional safety measures to prevent deaths and serious injuries when people re-enter homes fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride. EPA has approved new product labels containing additional protective measures. This is a result of the June 2023 final early mitigation decision for sulfuryl fluoride, which instructed companies to submit amended product labels that contained additional protective measures within 12 months.

July 26, 2024

EPA Releases Updated Occupational Exposure Assessments for Seed Treatment Uses for Three Neonicotinoids
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its updated occupational exposure assessments for handling and treating seeds with clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, which belong to a class of pesticides called “neonicotinoids.” Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides that work by disrupting the central nervous system of insects. If humans are exposed to very high amounts of neonicotinoids, they could also experience harmful effects such as neurotoxicity (e.g., tremors and decreased motor activity), reproductive, or developmental effects. These pesticides are used on a wide variety of crops, turf, ornamentals, pets (i.e., flea treatments), and other residential and commercial indoor and outdoor uses. There are also over 100 different seed treatment products that contain clothianidin, imidacloprid, or thiamethoxam, which are used to control chewing and sucking insects that can cause significant damage to seeds and young plants soon after planting.

July 25, 2024

EPA Releases Draft Strategy to Better Protect Endangered Species from Insecticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its draft Insecticide Strategy for public comment, another milestone in the agency’s work to adopt early, practical protections for federally endangered and threatened (listed) species. The draft strategy identifies protections that EPA will consider when it registers a new insecticide or reevaluates an existing one. In developing this draft strategy, EPA identified protections to address potential impacts for more than 850 species listed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS).

July 24, 2024

EPA Seeks Nominations for the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a solicitation for nominations to serve on its Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC).1 Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. 

July 23, 2024

EPA Opens Public Comment Period for Proposed Dicamba Herbicide from Syngenta
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received an application from Syngenta for a new product containing the currently registered active ingredients dicamba and S-metolachlor. The product proposal includes over the top application on both dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. Because the application involves a new use pattern for dicamba, the Agency is providing a 30-day public comment period on the registration application consistent with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). EPA is also seeking comment on the associated draft labeling that Syngenta submitted, which is available in the docket. 

July 19, 2024

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) and Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee (AAWQ); Notice of Public Meetings
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), notice is hereby given that the next meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) will be held in a hybrid setting on Aug 5–6, 2024, at the Lancaster Marriott in Lancaster, PA. The FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), notice is hereby given that the next meeting of the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee, subcommittee of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) will be held in a hybrid setting on Aug 8–9, 2024, at the Lancaster Marriott in Lancaster, PA. The goal of the AAWQ subcommittee is to provide recommendations that will inform the Agency’s decisions regarding how to improve the implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permitting program.

July 17, 2024

EPA Releases Proposed Protections for Pesticide Malathion
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision (PID) for the pesticide malathion. The PID proposes mitigation measures to reduce potential ecological risks. The malathion PID—as well as the revised Human Health Draft Risk Assessment and Ecological Draft Risk Assessment released earlier this year—will be open for public comment for 60 days.

July 15, 2024

EPA Announces New, Earlier Protections for People from Pesticide Spray Drift
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is putting protections in place sooner for farmworkers, their families, and the general public near where pesticides are applied. EPA will now assess the potential for people to be exposed to a pesticide when it drifts away from where it is applied earlier in the agency’s review process. This applies to new active ingredient pesticide registrations and new use decisions. This updated process will protect people from pesticide spray drift 15 years sooner in the review process for new pesticides than has historically occurred.

July 11, 2024

EPA Releases New Science-Based Recommendations to Help More States, Tribes, and Territories Reduce Exposure to PFAS in Fish
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued updated recommendations under the Clean Water Act for contaminants that states, Tribes, and territories should consider monitoring in locally caught, freshwater fish. For the first time, EPA has added several per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) to the contaminant list alongside lead, three cyanotoxins, a flame retardant, and amphetamine. The recommendation to monitor for twelve PFAS fulfills a key commitment in Administrator Regan’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and helps protect communities from exposure to these “forever chemicals.”

July 10, 2024

EPA Shares Fish and Wildlife Service’s Draft Biological Opinion for Methomyl for Public Comment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is posting and seeking public comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) draft biological opinion (BiOp) for methomyl. The draft BiOp released today covers species under FWS’s purview.

July 8, 2024

EPA Announces Update on Atrazine
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing an update to the level at which atrazine is expected to adversely affect aquatic plants. The new revised atrazine concentration of 9.7 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which was derived following an August 2023 peer review, will be used to develop a revised regulatory decision to help protect aquatic plants as well as fish, invertebrates, and amphibians.

July 2, 2024

EPA Proposes Framework for Interagency Collaboration on the Review of Potential for Resistance from Antibacterial and Antifungal Pesticides
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment a draft framework for expanding federal collaboration on the review of antibacterial and antifungal pesticides. EPA coordinated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in developing this framework. As noted in this framework, EPA intends to establish a process to consider expert input from other federal agencies during its evaluation of antimicrobials that may adversely impact the efficacy of human or animal drugs. This framework outlines a process for EPA to collaborate with other federal agencies in a manner that recognizes the benefits of these pesticides to agriculture while minimizing their impact on public health, and that considers the goals of the One Health model. One Health is a multidisciplinary approach to improve public health outcomes by analyzing linkages between humans, animals, and the global environment.

July 1, 2024

Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (May 2024)
This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities.

Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (May 2024)
EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications.

July 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in table 1 of unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an August 31, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in table 2 of unit II, to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the August 31, 2023, notice EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. EPA received one anonymous comment on this notice that was supportive of EPA cancelling these registrations, which EPA acknowledges. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. This notice also announces that EPA has previously approved the requests for voluntary cancellation of several registrations included in the August 31, 2023, notice listed in table 3 of unit II. EPA sent a separate letter approving these requests for voluntary cancellation to Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC on October 3, 2023. The disposition of existing stocks for these products is governed by the provisions in EPA’s October 3, 2023, letter approving the voluntary cancellation of these products rather than unit VI. (July 1)
• B.F. Strain 11604; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus velezensis strain 11604 in or on all food and feed commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. BioConsortia, Inc., submitted a petition to the EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Bacillus velezensis strain 11604 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (July 2)
• EPA hands down penalties to Rhode Island corporation for FIFRA violations
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Ocean State Jobbers, Inc., doing business as Ocean State Job Lot, a corporation based out of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, also known as FIFRA. Under the settlement, the corporation has agreed to pay a penalty of $53,500 to resolve alleged violations of FIFRA involving the import, distribution and sale of misbranded bug zapper pesticide devices that were imported through Ports of Entry in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts. (July 9)
• Metamitron; Pesticide Tolerance for Emergency Exemptions
  This regulation establishes a time-limited tolerance for residues of metamitron in or on the raw agricultural commodity (RAC) beet, sugar, roots. This action is in response to EPA’s granting of emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the pesticide on the crop, sugar beets. This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for residues of metamitron in or on the RAC beet, sugar, roots. The timelimited tolerance expires on December 31, 2027. (July 10)
• Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Receipt of Request To Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is providing this notice of receipt of and soliciting comment on the requests identified in Unit II. received from the registrants to voluntarily cancel their registrations of certain products containing the pesticide chlorpyrifos, or to amend their chlorpyrifos registrations to terminate one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests or if the registrant withdraws their request to cancel these uses or products. If these requests are granted, EPA will issue a final cancelation order under which any sale, distribution, or use of the products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled or the uses terminated only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms described in the final order. (July 15)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the availability of and soliciting comment on the work plans and registration review case dockets for the following active ingredients: Banda de Lupinus albus doce, cyflumetofen, Listeria specific Bacteriophages, and Streptomyces strain K61. (July 15)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decisions for the following chemicals: Copper 8- quinolinolate, DCNA, and norflurazon. (July 15)
• Trichoderma atroviride Strain K5 NRRL B–50520; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain K5 NRRL B–50520 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Agrauxine Corp., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the exemption from a requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain K5 NRRL B–50520 under FFDCA when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption. (July 16)
• Gluconobacter cerinus Strain BC18B and Hanseniaspora uvarum Strain BC18Y; Exemptions From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Gluconobacter cerinus strain BC18B and Hanseniaspora uvarum strain BC18Y in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Danisco US Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish maximum permissible levels for residues of Gluconobacter cerinus strain BC18B and Hanseniaspora uvarum strain BC18Y when used in accordance with this exemption. (July 16)
• Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Draft Final Rule; Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Reconsideration of the Application Exclusion Zone Amendments
  This document notifies the public as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) that the EPA has forwarded a draft final rule to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entitled ‘‘Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Reconsideration of the Application Exclusion Zone Amendments.’’ The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available to the public by EPA. (July 16)
• Polytetrafluoroethylene; Revocation of the Tolerance Exemption When Used as an Inert Ingredient in Pesticide Products
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to revoke the tolerance exemption for residues of polytetrafluoroethylene (CAS No. 9002–84–0) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations. EPA is proposing to revoke this tolerance exemption because polytetrafluoroethylene, which has been identified as a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), is no longer used in any registered pesticide product. (July 16)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and/or Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants, and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a May 7, 2024, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel and/or amend to terminate uses of these product registrations. In the May 7, 2024, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrant for product registration 4–474 withdrew their request for cancellation; therefore, the registration has been removed from this order. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (July 16)

June 28, 2024

2024 Clean Water Act Section 319 Guidelines
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces revised guidelines for eligible recipients (states, territories, and the District of Columbia) awarded Federal grants under section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) for the implementation of nonpoint source management programs (‘‘2024 Guidelines’’). The 2024 guidelines describe the requirements that apply to recipients of grants made with funds appropriated by Congress under the Clean Water Act. These new guidelines will replace the Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories that have been in effect since the fiscal year 2014 grant cycle. The revisions are intended to advance new science and information, engage communities, and guide the national Nonpoint Source Program.

June 27, 2024

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan Addresses EPA Staff to Mark Historic Environmental Progress Under President Biden
At an event convening all EPA staff across headquarters and its 10 regional offices, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan delivered keynote remarks to mark historic progress achieved under President Biden’s leadership to address climate change, advance environmental justice, and highlight unprecedented investments in science and career staff expertise. Under the banner of “Bold Promises, Real Results,” Administrator Regan touted progress to advance the President’s clear vision and bold agenda set forth on Day One of his Administration.

National Priorities: Occurrence and Implications of De Facto Water Reuse on Drinking Water Supplies Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the funding opportunity for Occurrence and Implications of De Facto Water Reuse on Drinking Water Supplies. Throughout the nation, drinking water supplies of many communities are directly influenced by the presence of treated municipal wastewater through the process of “de facto water reuse.” De facto water reuse occurs when a drinking water supply contains a significant fraction of wastewater effluent, typically from upstream wastewater discharges [1]. This contrasts with planned potable reuse where highly treated wastewater is purposefully used to supplement drinking water supplies. Understanding the risks from this form of unplanned water reuse is important to ensure clean and safe drinking water. De facto reuse is a common occurrence across the U.S. and other countries, but there is relatively little known about the impacts and potential risks. Additional research is needed to better understand the impact of de facto reuse nationwide, including potential human health risks and the interventions needed to mitigate those risks. This National Priorities funding opportunity solicits innovative research to address the knowledge gaps on the impact, risk, and mitigation of de facto reuse in drinking water sources across the United States. For more information, please visit Research Funding Opportunities.

June 25, 2024

Public Meetings of the Science Advisory Board Environmental Justice Science and Analysis Review Panel
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces two public meetings of the Science Advisory Board Environmental Justice Science and Analysis Review Panel. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss the panel’s draft peer review report of the EPA’s draft Revised Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis (EJTG). The Panel will also discuss their self-initiated commentary outlining recommendations on advancing environmental justice science in rulemaking. 

June 18, 2024

EPA Marks National Pollinator Week, Emphasizing Commitment to Protecting Pollinators
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a proclamation announcing June 17-23, 2024, as National Pollinator Week. This year’s proclamation underscores EPA’s commitment to protecting pollinators from pesticides, including through mitigation measures for several pesticides and the upcoming issuance of the final Herbicide Strategy to protect over 900 federally threatened and endangered species, including pollinators.

June 12, 2024

Biden-Harris Administration Announces National Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste and Recycle Organics
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, announced the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” as part of President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to tackle climate change, feed people, address environmental justice, and promote a circular economy.

June 5, 2024

Proposed Information Collection Request; Revision; Changes to EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit a revision information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Changes to EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Program’’ (EPA ICR No. 2547.01, OMB Control No. 2060–0722) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. Specifically, EPA is proposing to remove all program partner reporting elements from the ICR, leaving the ‘‘Oil and Gas Equipment and Service Providers Directory’’ as the only component covered under this ICR. This revision is a proposed extension of the ICR titled ‘‘EPA’s Methane Challenge and Natural Gas STAR Programs,’’ which is currently approved through December 31, 2024. This notice allows for 60 days for public comments.

June 4, 2024

EPA Opens Public Comment Period for Proposed Dicamba Herbicide from BASF
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received an application from BASF for a new product containing the currently registered active ingredient dicamba. The product proposal includes over-the-top application of dicamba on both dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. Because the application involves a new use pattern for dicamba, the Agency is providing a 30-day public comment period on the registration application consistent with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). EPA is also seeking comment on the associated draft labeling that BASF submitted, which is available in the docket. To read more about the registration application proposed by BASF and submit a comment, see docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0154 on Regulations.gov. The public comment period will close on July 5, 2024, 31 days after the publication date in the Federal Register.

Dicamba; Pesticide Product Registration; Notice of Receipt of Application for New Use; Request for Comment
EPA has received an application proposing to register new uses for a new pesticide product containing a currently registered active ingredient. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on this application.

Register for EPA’s Webinar on Mitigation Menu Website to Protect Nontarget Species from Pesticide Exposure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public webinar on June 18, 2024, from 1-2 PM ET to provide an overview of its mitigation menu website that will describe mitigation options for reducing pesticide exposure to nontarget species from agricultural crop uses. The webinar will be open to the public, and all interested stakeholders are invited to attend. The agenda and instructions for joining the webinar will be sent to registered attendees. Register to attend the webinar.

EPA Announces Partnership to Increase Access to Healthy Foods and Improve Public Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, announced the selection of six communities that will receive technical assistance through the Local Foods, Local Places program. This shared effort will develop local food systems to advance environmental protection, strengthen local economies and further sustainability goals.

June 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Alpha-Pinene, Anisyl Alcohol, Butyl Salicylate, Cineole (Eucalyptol), and Phenylacetaldehyde; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment
  EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Colorado Department of Agriculture to use the pesticides, alpha-pinene, anisyl alcohol, butyl salicylate, cineole (eucalyptol), and phenylacetaldehyde (CAS Nos. 80– 56–8, 1331–81–3, 2052–14–4, 470–82–6, and 122–78–1, respectively) to treat up to 1,400 acres of sweet corn to control corn earworm. The applicant proposes the use of new chemicals which have not been registered by EPA. EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemption. (June 7)
• Pesticides; Draft Pesticide Registration Notice; Revised Procedures for Citing Data To Support Pesticide Registrations (EPA Forms No. 8570–34 and 8570–35); Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or ‘‘Agency’’) is announcing the availability of and seeking public comment on a draft Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) entitled ‘‘Revised Procedures for Citing Data to Support Pesticide Registrations (EPA Forms No. 8570–34 and 8570–35).’’ PR Notices are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important policies, procedures, and registration related decisions, and serve to provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. This draft PR Notice, will supersede PR Notice 98–5, entitled ‘‘New forms for the Certification with Respect to Citation of Data’’ dated June 12, 1998. The Agency is eliminating the instructions provided in PR Notice 98– 5 that required registrants to submit two versions of EPA Form No. 8570–35 (‘‘Data Matrix’’), and the use of paper submissions. The changes in procedure are necessary updates to reflect current operations established to help reduce the burden associated with completing, submitting, and processing these forms for both applicants and the Agency, as well as to provide improved efficiencies for providing public access to the information without the extra burden associated with the use of formal procedures to request additional information. (June 10)
• EPA Releases Finalized Test Methods for Measuring Disinfectant Residue Levels on Hard Surfaces
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing finalized test methods for measuring disinfectant residues on hard surfaces treated with two classes of disinfectants — quaternary ammonium compounds and phenolic compounds — after they have been rinsed with water (known as a potable water rinse or “PWR”). Estimating the amount of disinfectant residue after rinsing a treated surface, like cutting boards and countertops, with water is an important step in refining dietary risk assessments for disinfectant products that may come in contact with food. (June 13)
• n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the ‘‘Agency’’) is proposing to address the unreasonable risk of injury to human health presented by n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under its conditions of use as documented in EPA’s risk evaluation and risk determination for NMP pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). NMP is a widely used solvent in a variety of industrial, commercial, and consumer applications including the manufacture and production of electronics such as semiconductors, polymers, petrochemical products, paints and coatings, and paint and coating removers. EPA determined that NMP presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health due to the significant adverse health effects associated with exposure to NMP, including developmental post-implantation fetal loss from short-term exposure and reduced fertility and fecundity from long-term exposure. Additional adverse effects associated with exposure to NMP include liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, skin irritation, and sensitization. To address the identified unreasonable risk, EPA is proposing to: prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce and use of NMP in several occupational conditions of use; require worker protections through an NMP workplace chemical protection program (WCPP) or prescriptive controls (including concentration limits) for most of the occupational conditions of use; require concentration limits on a consumer product; regulate certain consumer products to prevent commercial use; and establish recordkeeping, labeling, and downstream notification requirements. (June 14)
• Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
  EPA has granted emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted during the period October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, to control unforeseen pest outbreaks. (June 18)
• Helicoverpa zea nudivirus 2 strain 90DR71; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment
  EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) to use the pesticide Helicoverpa zea nudivirus 2 strain 90DR71 to treat up to 1,750 acres of sweet corn in Delta and Montrose Counties in CO to manage corn earworm. The applicant proposes the use of an active ingredient not included in any currently registered pesticide products. EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemption. (June 18)
• Chlorpyrifos; Amendment to Existing Stocks Provisions in Winfield and Liberty Product Cancellation Orders
  On August 31, 2022, EPA issued a final order cancelling several products, including those voluntarily requested by Liberty Crop Protection, LLC (Liberty) and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). On May 4, 2023, EPA issued a final cancellation order including three products voluntarily requested by Winfield Solutions, LLC (Winfield) and accepted by the Agency. The Agency is issuing this notice to amend the existing stocks provisions in the August 31, 2022 and May 4, 2023 orders, for the products listed in this document. (June 18)
• EPA Releases Updates on Organophosphate Pesticides Dicrotophos, Dimethoate, and Tetrachlorvinphos
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the Proposed Registration Review Interim Decisions (PIDs) for dicrotophos and dimethoate, as well as an Interim Registration Review Decision (ID) for tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), three organophosphate (OP) pesticides. (June 18)
• Afidopyropen; Pesticide Tolerance for Emergency Exemption
  This regulation establishes a time-limited tolerance for residues of afidopyropen, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on strawberry. This action is in response to EPA’s granting of an emergency exemption under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the pesticide on field-grown strawberry. This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for residues of afidopyropen in or on strawberry. The time-limited tolerance expires on December 31, 2027. (June 20)
• Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), Polymer With 1,2-ethandiol, 2-methyl-1,3- propanediol, hexanedioic acid, 1,4- benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,3- benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,1′- methylenebis[4-isocyanatobenzene] and 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3- propanediol in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of poly(oxy-1,2- ethanediyl), polymer with 1,2-ethandiol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, hexanedioic acid, 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,3- benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,1′- methylenebis[4-isocyanatobenzene] and 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3- propanediol, with a minimum number average molecular weight (in amu) of 1400, (No CAS Reg. No.), when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Pyxis Regulatory Consulting Inc., on behalf of Tessara PTY Ltd., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), polymer with 1,2-ethandiol, 2-methyl-1,3- propanediol, hexanedioic acid, 1,4- benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,3- benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,1′- methylenebis[4-isocyanatobenzene] and 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3- propanediol on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions. (June 21)
• Final Cancellation Order for Cancelling Certain Pesticide Registrations and Uses
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or ‘‘Agency’’) hereby announces its final cancellation order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This final cancellation order follows a June 9, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants in Table 3 of Unit II. to voluntarily cancel or amend these product registrations. In the June 9, 2023, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue a final cancellation order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the comment period that would merit further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency received five comments on the notice, which are summarized in Unit III.B. The registrants did not withdraw their requests for these voluntary cancellations and amendments. Accordingly, EPA hereby grants the requested cancellations and amendments to terminate uses as shown in this cancellation order. Any distribution, sale, or use of existing stocks of these products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order. (June 24)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim registration review decisions (PIDs) for the following pesticides: Dicrotophos and dimethoate. EPA is opening a 60- day public comment period for these PIDs. (June 24)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decisions for the following chemicals: Aluminium phosphide, magnesium phosphide, phosphine, tetrachlorvinphos and triadimefon. (June 24)
• EPA Issues Final Cancellation Order and Updates to Existing Stocks Provisions for Several Chlorpyrifos Products
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final cancellation order for Corteva’s chlorpyrifos product “Dursban 50W in Water Soluble Packets” and three Gharda chlorpyrifos products, and an amendment to the existing stocks provisions for two Liberty and three Winfield chlorpyrifos end-use products. The Agency has also updated the frequently asked questions about chlorpyrifos on its website. (June 25)
• Spiromesifen; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of spiromesifen in or on Oranges and Orange, oil. Bayer CropScience, LP requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 26)

May 21, 2024

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $30.7 million to Support Water Systems in Small and Rural Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its selection of training and technical assistance providers who will have $30.7 million to support water systems and private well owners in small and rural communities. This grant funding will support water systems with building technical, financial, and managerial capacity and will also assist private well owners with improving water quality, including actions such as testing for PFAS contamination.

May 17, 2024

EPA Issues 2023 Annual Report for Pesticide Registration Improvement Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) Annual Report, the first one published since PRIA 5 was authorized in 2022. This report describes EPA’s implementation of PRIA 5 including: tracking and status for EPA’s review of pesticide registration actions, registration review cases, process improvements relating to the review of PRIA submissions, and maintenance fee set-asides for farmworker and health care provider training, partnership grants, and the pesticide safety education program.

May 16, 2024

Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee (AAWQ), Subcommittee of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC); Notice of Public Meeting Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee
The first meeting of the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee, subcommittee of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) will be held in a hybrid setting on May 30–31, 2024, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters located at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The goal of the AAWQ subcommittee will be to provide recommendations that will inform the Agency’s decisions regarding how to improve the implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permitting program to more effectively reduce nutrients and other types of water pollutants from Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs), including determining whether any revisions to the regulations are warranted, and whether EPA can otherwise support the efforts of AFO operators to protect water quality. For more information and to learn how to register, visit https://www.epa.gov/faca/frrcc-0.

May 15, 2024

EPA Announces Final Rule to Improve Public Awareness of Drinking Water Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a final rule to make annual drinking water quality reports more understandable and accessible to the public. These reports are an important tool that drinking water systems use to inform residents about water quality and any contaminants that have been found in the water. Starting in 2027, this final rule will ensure that these reports are easier to read and support access to translations in appropriate languages while enhancing information about lead in drinking water. EPA is also taking steps to streamline the delivery of reports by encouraging electronic methods.

May 9, 2024

EPA Proposes to Register New Herbicide Active Ingredient Glufosinate-P
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment its proposed registration decision for pesticide products containing the new active ingredient glufosinate-P to control weeds in non-tolerant and glufosinate-resistant corn, sweet corn, soybean, cotton, and canola. In addition to its proposed registration decision, EPA has also released its draft biological evaluation for the pesticide under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

May 8, 2024

EPA Holds Virtual Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Meeting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on June 5 and June 6, 2024, from 11:00AM – 5:00PM (EDT). The PPDC provides feedback to EPA on pesticide regulatory, policy and program issues and includes representatives from environmental groups, pesticide manufacturers, trade associations, academia and federal and state agencies.

EPA, FDA and USDA Issues Updates to the Joint Regulatory Plan for Biotechnology
In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have developed a plan to update, streamline and clarify their regulations and oversight mechanisms for products of biotechnology. The agencies have identified five major areas of biotechnology product regulation where these actions will focus: modified plants, modified animals, modified microorganisms, human drugs, biologics and medical devices, and cross-cutting issues.

May 3, 2024

EPA Opens Required Public Comment Period for Proposed Dicamba Herbicide from Bayer CropScience
EPA has received an application from Bayer CropScience LP for a new product containing the currently registered active ingredient dicamba. The proposed product includes use of dicamba on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. Because the application involves a new use pattern for dicamba, the Agency is required to provide a 30-day public comment period on the registration applications consistent with FIFRA 3(c)(4). EPA is also seeking comment on the associated draft labeling that was submitted by Bayer, which is available in the docket.

May 2, 2024

NRCS Refining Source Water Protection Local Priorities for Fiscal Year 2025
In a national bulletin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced the opportunity to work with NRCS to identify high priority source water protection (SWP) areas and priority agricultural and forestry practices land owners can implement to get up to 90 percent cost-share incentive payments to protect drinking water sources. The national bulletin requires NRCS State Conservationists to refine local source water protection priority areas by August 23, 2024 in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. The bulletin highlights $1.8 billion in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) conservation funding dedicated to implementing source water protection. These funds will support farmers who implement conservation practices that provide water quality benefits to sources of drinking water. EPA is committed to protecting source water and helping to promote available funds to effectively protect drinking water and public health.

EPA Announces Final Rule to Protect Water Quality Where Tribes have Treaty and Reserved Rights
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule that will help protect water quality where Tribes hold and assert rights to aquatic and aquatic-dependent resources. For the first time, this action establishes a clear and consistent national framework for EPA and states to consider Tribal treaty and reserved rights when establishing Water Quality Standards under the Clean Water Act. In addition, this rule advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to uphold the United States’ treaty and federal trust responsibility to federally recognized Tribes. When implemented, this final rule will better protect waters that Tribes depend on for fishing, gathering wild rice, cultural practices, and other uses.

May 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• EPA Issues Order to Gold Eagle Co. and West Marine Products Inc. to Stop the Sale of Unregistered Pesticide Product in Troy, Michigan
  In April, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered Gold Eagle Co. and West Marine Products Inc. to stop the sale of “303 2-in-1 Mold & Mildew Cleaner + Blocker” distributed by Chicago company Gold Eagle and sold at West Marine’s retail location in Troy, Michigan. The order will prevent the illegal distribution and sale of this unregistered pesticide product by both companies at their respective retail locations and websites. (May 1)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (March 2024)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (May 3)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients March 2024
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (May 3)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Application for New Use
  EPA has received an application proposing to register new uses for a new pesticide product containing a currently registered active ingredient. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on this application. (May 3)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decision for bromine. The notice also announces the availability of EPA’s final registration review decisions for the following chemicals: Agrobacterium radiobacter, polybutene resins, and porcine zona pellucida (PZP). (May 6)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s work plans and registration review case dockets for the following chemicals: Cornmint Oil, Humates (as derived from Leonardite), and Refined oil of Nepeta cataria. EPA is opening a 60-day public comment period for these work plans and case dockets. (May 6)
• Kansas City Grocery Stores Ordered to Stop Selling Illegal Fabuloso Disinfectant Products
  On April 15 and 16, 2024, the Kansas and Missouri Departments of Agriculture, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ordered 17 grocery stores in the Kansas City area to stop the sale and distribution of certain Fabuloso household disinfectants, as well as other disinfection products. (May 6)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests to Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and/or Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by the registrants to voluntarily cancel their registrations of certain products and/or to amend their product registrations to terminate one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the request, or unless the registrants withdraw its requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled and/or uses terminated only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (May 7)
• 1-Propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(2- carboxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivatives, inner salts; and 1- Propanaminium, 3-amino-N- (carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivatives, hydroxides, inner salts in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemptions
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1- propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(2- carboxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivatives, inner salts (CAS Reg. No. 499781–63–4) when used as an inert ingredient (adjuvant or surfactant) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest. This regulation also establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1-propanaminium, 3-aminoN-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, Ncoco acyl derivatives, hydroxides, inner salts (CAS Reg. No. 61789–40–0), also known as cocamidopropyl betaine, when used as an inert ingredient (surfactant) on growing crops preharvest. Oxiteno USA, LLC and Bi-PA NV, respectively, each submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for each of these substances. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 1-propanaminium, 3-mino-N-(2-carboxyethyl)-N,Ndimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivatives, inner salts; and cocamidopropyl betaine when used in accordance with the terms of these exemptions. (May 10)
• Cyflumetofen; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of cyflumetofen in or on the following raw agricultural commodities: berry, low growing, subgroup 13–07G; fruit, small, vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13–07F; and vegetable, cucurbit, group 9. The Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 10)
• Cyantraniliprole; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes and modifies tolerances for residues of cyantraniliprole, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) and the FMC Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 15)
• Tetraniliprole; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerance for residues of tetraniliprole in or on tea, dried at 80 ppm. Bayer CropScience LP requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 15)
• Bacillus Thuringensis Cry1B.868 and Cry1Da_7 Proteins; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Bacillus thuringensis Cry1B.868 and Cry1Da_7 proteins (hereafter Cry1B.868 and Cry1Da_7) when used as a PlantIncorporated Protectant (PIP) in or on the food and feed commodities of corn: corn, field; corn, sweet, and corn, pop. Bayer U.S.—Crop Science submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Cry1B.868 and Cry1Da_ 7 proteins. (May 17)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of 3-Iodo-2- propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) and Pyrimethanil. EPA is opening a 60-day public comment period for these risk assessments. (May 20)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities—April 2024
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (May 22)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses—April 2024
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (May 23)
• EPA Halts Acceptance of Data for Pesticide Registration from a Non-compliant Laboratory
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has halted the acceptance of studies generated by Palamur Biosciences Lab (Palamur) in Telangana, India, due to the possible falsification of data following an inspection by the Indian National Good Laboratory Practice Compliance Monitoring Authority (NGCMA). These data are typically submitted by pesticide registrants or applicants as part of the pesticide registration process. At this time, EPA is not accepting any studies from this lab, and registrants should not submit any new data from this lab. (May 24)
• Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; School Integrated Pest Management Awards Program (Renewal)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), School Integrated Pest Management Awards Program, (EPA ICR Number 2531.03 and OMB Control Number 2070–0200) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through May 31, 2024. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on August 14, 2023 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. (May 29)

April 30, 2024

Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim decisions (PIDs) and amended PIDs for the following pesticides: Acephate, Captan, Ferbam, Thiram, and Ziram. EPA is opening a 60-day public comment period for these proposed interim registration review decisions. Submit your comments through https://www.regulations.gov using the docket identification (ID) number for the pesticide of interest as identified in Table 1 of Unit I; Acephate: EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0915, Captan (Amended): Docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0296, Ferbam (Amended): Docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0567, Thiram (Amended): Docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0433, and Ziram (Amended): Docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0568.Comments must be received on or before July 1, 2024.

EPA Announces Nominees Invited to Serve on the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee
On April 30, 2024, the EPA announced the selection of nominees invited to serve on the AAWQ Subcommittee. The subcommittee’s first meeting will be held on May 30-31, 2024, at the EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. More information regarding the first meeting, including public participation, will be made available in the Federal Register. Visit the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality (AAWQ) subcommittee page to see the invited nominees and their affiliations.

EPA Proposes to Cancel All but One Use of Pesticide Acephate to Protect Human Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a proposed interim decision (PID) to cancel all but one use of the pesticide acephate. This decision is based on EPA's updated human health draft risk assessment (HH DRA) and drinking water assessment (DWA) that were released last year, which showed significant dietary risks from drinking water for currently registered uses of acephate. EPA also identified worker, homeowner, and ecological risks that would be mitigated by the proposed cancellations. For more information on the registration review of acephate and to provide comments on the PID and updated assessments, please visit the acephate docket on regulations.gov under the docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0915.

EPA Highlights Biden-Harris Administration’s New National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure
the White House issued a new National Security Memorandum (NSM) to secure and enhance the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure. The NSM will help ensure U.S. critical infrastructure can provide the nation a strong and innovative economy, protect American families, and enhance our collective resilience to disasters before they happen. This NSM specifically clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the lead federal agencies identified to improve the resilience of our critical infrastructure sectors against all hazards. EPA is the official sector risk management agency with respect to the water sector. The NSM also implements a coordinated national approach to assess and manage sector-specific risks. 

April 19, 2024

EPA Seeks Comments on Nominations to FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comments on experts nominated to serve on the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP). In November 2023, EPA requested nominations from NIH and NSF to fill vacancies on the FIFRA SAP due to expiring terms. Specifically, the Agency requested nationally recognized experts in the following fields: ecological and human exposure assessment, mathematical biostatistics, new approach methodologies (NAMs), and toxicology. NIH and NSF provided EPA with 39 nominees, of whom 12 are interested and available to participate. Biographies of the interested and available candidates are available in the docket at EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0118, and through the FIFRA SAP website. Public comments on these experts, which may be submitted in the docket, will be used to assist the Agency in selecting up to four new members. All comments must be received by May 20, 2024. EPA expects to appoint new members to the FIFRA SAP in July 2024. 

PFAS Enforcement Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA
Memorandum provides direction about how the EPA will exercise its enforcement discretion under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in matters involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The memorandum describes how EPA will focus on holding responsible entities who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS contamination into the environment, including parties that have manufactured PFAS or used PFAS in the manufacturing process, federal facilities, and other industrial parties. On April 19, 2024, the EPA announced that it was designating two types of PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as CERCLA hazardous substances. Information regarding the rulemaking is available from the Agency's Designation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) as CERCLA Hazardous Substances web page.
 

EPA Issues Draft Risk Assessment for Use of Formaldehyde as a Pesticide under FIFRA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its draft risk assessment for formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for public comment. The FIFRA draft risk assessment identifies risks to human health and the environment from the pesticidal uses of formaldehyde and describes some of the sources of uncertainties in EPA’s findings.

April 17, 2024

Registration now open for EPA’s 3rd annual Mid-Atlantic Summit, kicks off 30-day countdown
EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region announced that registration is now open for its 3rd Annual environmental summit, to be held virtually on May 16, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free and open to the public, this event will convene representatives from communities, non-profits, Tribes, advocacy groups, industry, academia, and state and local governments from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Biden, Tom Perez, will join EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe to will offer opening remarks. Anyone interested in the environment, policy, and public health are encouraged to attend.

April 16, 2024

EPA Publishes Update on Herbicide Strategy Progress
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing an update to its draft Herbicide Strategy, which is part of the Agency’s plan to improve how it meets its Endangered Species Act (ESA) obligations. The purpose of this update is to describe some improvements that EPA plans to make as it continues finalizing the strategy to increase flexibility and improve ease of implementation while still protecting federally listed species. The Agency expects to publish the final strategy in August 2024.

April 2, 2024

EPA Announces the Implementation of Mitigation Measures for Insecticides Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, and Malathion to Protect Endangered Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing measures to protect federally threatened or endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitats from the effects of the insecticides chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion. The measures include changes to pesticide labeling requirements and issuing of Endangered Species Protection Bulletins that set geographically specific limitations on pesticide use.

April 1, 2024

EPA warns farmworkers about risks of Dacthal
On April 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing its next steps to protect people from the herbicide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA, or Dacthal). EPA is warning people of the significant health risks to pregnant individuals and their developing babies exposed to DCPA and will be pursuing action to address the serious, permanent, and irreversible health risks associated with the pesticide as quickly as possible. EPA has also issued a letter to AMVAC, the sole manufacturer of DCPA, restating the risks the agency found and stating that due to the serious risks posed by DCPA, the agency is pursuing further action to protect workers and others who could be exposed. EPA is taking this rare step of warning farmworkers about these concerns while it works on action to protect workers because of the significant risks the agency has identified.

April 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Receipt of Request To Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amend Registrations To Terminate/Amend Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of request by the registrants in Table 3 of Unit II to voluntarily cancel registrations of certain products containing the pesticide chlorpyrifos or to amend their chlorpyrifos registrations to terminate/ delete one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests or if the registrants withdraw their request to cancel these uses or products. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of the products listed in this notice after the registrations have been cancelled or the uses have been terminated would need to be consistent with the terms as described in the final cancellation order. (April 3)
• Existing Stocks Order for Dicamba Products Previously Registered for Over-the-Top Use on Dicamba-Tolerant Cotton and Soybean
  On February 14, 2024, EPA issued its Existing Stocks Order for Dicamba Products Previously Registered for Over-the-Top Use on DicambaTolerant Cotton and Soybean. EPA hereby provides notice of the existing stocks order. EPA issued the existing stocks order following the February 6, 2024, order and judgement by the District of Arizona vacating the registrations for three products, XtendiMax® with VaporGrip® Technology (‘‘XtendiMax’’), Engenia® Herbicide (‘‘Engenia’’), and A21472 Plus VaporGrip® Technology (Tavium® Plus VaporGrip® Technology) (‘‘Tavium’’). As of February 6, 2024, these products are no longer registered, and it is unlawful under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to sell or distribute them except to the extent otherwise authorized by EPA. (April 3)
• Silane, Hexadecyltrimethoxy-, Hydrolysis Products With Silica in Pesticide Formulations; Pesticide Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy-, hydrolysis products with silica (CAS Reg. No. 199876–45–4) when used as an inert ingredient (Pickering emulsion) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest at no more than 0.6% by weight of the pesticide formulation. Evonik Corporation, 299 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054 submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy-, hydrolysis products with silica, when used in accordance with the terms of this exemption. (April 11)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments for Formaldehyde and Paraformaldehyde; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and ecological risk assessments for the registration review of formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde and opens a 60-day public comment period on this document. (April 19)
• Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Renewal of an Existing ICR Collection and Request for Comment; Standards for Pesticide Containers and Containment
  In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), this document announces the availability of and solicits public comment on the following Information Collection Request (ICR) that EPA is planning to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): ‘‘Standards for Pesticide Container and Containment,’’ identified by EPA ICR No. 1632.07 and OMB Control No. 2070–0133. This ICR represents a renewal of an existing ICR that is currently approved through January 31, 2025. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval under the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information collection that is summarized in this document. The ICR and accompanying material are available in the docket for public review and comment. (April 22)
• Cyclaniliprole; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of cyclaniliprole in or on Vegetable, cucurbit, group 9. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (April 23)
• BLB2 and AMR3 Proteins in Potato; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation amends and extends a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the BLB2 and AMR3 proteins in potato, when used as a plantincorporated protectant (PIP) in accordance with the terms of Experimental Use Permit (EUP) No. 8971–EUP–3. J.R. Simplot Company, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the temporary tolerance exemption. This regulation eliminates the need under FFDCA to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of BLB2 and AMR3 proteins. The temporary tolerance exemption expires on March 31, 2025. (April 25)
• Escherichia coli Strain K–12 P678–54 Micelles in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Escherichia coli strain K–12 P678–54 micelles (also known as E. coli K–12 derived micelles) when used as an inert ingredient (encapsulation of active ingredient) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest. AgroSpheres, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of E. coli K–12 derived micelles, when used in accordance with the terms of those exemptions. (April 25)
• Flonicamid; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation amends the existing tolerance for residues of flonicamid in or on the raw agricultural commodity berry, low-growing, subgroup 13–07G by increasing the tolerance from 1.5 parts per million (ppm) to 2 ppm. ISK Biosciences Corporation requested this amended tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (April 29)
• Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Renewal of an Existing ICR Collection and Request for Comment; Pesticide Registration Fees Program
  In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), this document announces the availability of and solicits public comment on the following Information Collection Request (ICR) that EPA is planning to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): ‘‘Pesticide Registration Fees Program,’’ identified by EPA ICR No. 2330.05 and OMB Control No. 2070–0179. This ICR represents a renewal of an existing ICR that is currently approved through January 31, 2025. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval under the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information collection that is summarized in this document. The ICR and accompanying material are available in the docket for public review and comment. (April 29)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim decisions (PIDs) and amended PIDs for the following pesticides: Acephate, Captan, Ferbam, Thiram, and Ziram. EPA is opening a 60-day public comment period for these proposed interim registration review decisions. (April 30)

March 27, 2024

EPA Celebrates National Farmworker Awareness Week by Highlighting Pesticide Safety Education Projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating National Farmworker Awareness Week to recognize the millions of farmworkers that help grow and harvest the food that feeds our country. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to protecting farmworkers, because they and their families are at high risk for pesticide exposure due to their work in and around areas where pesticides are used. EPA carries out this mission by supporting initiatives that provide pesticide safety training and education to farmworkers and their families.

March 19, 2024

EPA digs into Charlottesville Urban Garden during National Agriculture Week
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz and Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade marked National Agriculture Week by visiting Charlottesville High School’s urban garden to learn from students about their sustainable agriculture practices and impact on the Charlottesville, Virginia community. 

March 19, 2024

Statement by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on National Agriculture Day
On March 19, 2024, in celebration of National Agriculture Day, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement: “Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commemorates National Agriculture Day, recognizing the invaluable contributions of America’s farmers and ranchers to our nation and the world. We owe a debt of gratitude to our agricultural producers, not only for delivering abundant food, feed, fuel and fiber, but also for their efforts to ensure clean water, clean air, healthy soils, and nature-based climate solutions. Farmers and ranchers will always have a seat the table as we work together optimize agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact. That’s why I recently announced the creation of EPA’s first-ever Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, to help forge practical, science-based policies that protect the environment while ensuring a vibrant and productive agricultural system." Read more of EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan's statement from the Office of the Administrator.

March 14, 2024

EPA Update on Existing Stocks Provisions for Three Chlorpyrifos Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an update on existing stocks provisions for three chlorpyrifos pesticide products made by the company Adama – Pyrinex Chlorpyrifos Insecticide (EPA Reg. No. 11678-58), Chlorpyrifos 4E AG (alternate brand name Quali-Pro Chlorpyrifos 4E) (EPA Reg. No. 66222-19), and Vulcan (EPA Reg. No. 66222-233). 

At this time, EPA is amending the existing stocks provisions in the May 4 and November 6 cancellation orders as follows:

• Sale and distribution of existing stocks of Pyrinex Chlorpyrifos Insecticide (EPA Reg. No. 11678-58) is permitted until June 30, 2024.
• Sale and distribution of existing stocks of Chlorpyrifos 4E AG and Quali-Pro Chlorpyrifos 4E (EPA Reg. No. 66222-19) and Vulcan (EPA Reg. Nos. 66222-233) is permitted until April 30, 2025.
• Use of existing stocks of Chlorpyrifos 4E AG, Quali-Pro Chlorpyrifos 4E, and Vulcan on food, food processing sites, and food manufacturing sites must be consistent with the product labeling. Such use is permitted until June 30, 2025.
• Use of existing stocks Chlorpyrifos 4E AG, Quali-Pro Chlorpyrifos 4E, and Vulcan for non-food purposes is permitted until existing stocks are exhausted, as long as such use is in accordance with the labeling.

After these dates, all respective sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks is prohibited, except for sale and distribution for export and for proper disposal.

March 12, 2024

EPA Expands Wastewater Infrastructure Program, Invites Rural Communities To Apply for Assistance
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the expansion of its successful Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative to 150 communities across Rural America. The program is already serving McDowell and Raleigh Counties in West Virginia and the agency invites rural communities across the region to apply.  Originally launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative partners with underserved communities across the country to provide technical assistance on accessing federal wastewater funding. This program, along with historic funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will advance President Biden’s environmental justice agenda and help thousands of Americans access the wastewater infrastructure they need to thrive.

March 5, 2024

EPA to Host Webinar on Best Practices for Antimicrobial Product Registration
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a webinar on March 20, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT on the pesticide registration process for antimicrobial products. Experts from EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs will provide an overview of the pesticide registration process under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; provide information on what to do before applying for antimicrobial product registration; discuss how to prepare Confidential Statements of Formula as well as various other documents and forms that need to be submitted to the Agency; discuss non-PRIA submissions (i.e., notifications and fast track amendments under PRN 98-10); and share examples of submission cover letters and common labeling issues as well as information on efficacy data, and registration review.

March 3, 2024

EPA Provides Update on Streptomycin Uses on Citrus
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing the following update in light of the Ninth Circuit’s December 2023 decision that vacated the 2021 registration amendments for streptomycin because of the Agency’s failure to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The 2021 amendments added a time-limited use on citrus crop group 10-10 for two streptomycin sulfate pesticide products. The Citrus crop group 10-10 includes orange, tangerine, lime, grapefruit commodities and varieties of these citrus fruits.

March 1, 2024

EPA launches new office to strengthen engagement with agricultural and rural communities
On March 1, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is establishing a new office to expand engagement opportunities with agricultural and rural communities. The creation of the first-ever EPA Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs represents the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to improving environmental stewardship and economic opportunity for America’s farmers and ranchers, as well as strengthening the vitality of small towns and rural communities. “Farmers and ranchers are crucial partners as we work together to deliver clean air, clear water, and climate solutions, all while playing the critical role of ensuring an abundant fiber, fuel and food supply,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the launch of this new office, we are ensuring agricultural and rural stakeholders will continue to have a seat at the table for many years to come.”

March 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• 1,4-Bis[[3-[2-(2- hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]propyl]amino]- 9,10-anthracenedione in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1,4-bis[[3-[2-(2- hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]propyl]amino]- 9,10-anthracenedione, when used as an inert ingredient (colorant/dye) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest in/ on animals, limited to a maximum concentration of 0.5% in a pesticide formulation, and in antimicrobial formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairyprocessing equipment, and foodprocessing equipment and utensils not to exceed 300 ppm in the end-use concentration. Spring Regulatory Sciences on behalf of Colorants Solutions (new name Heubach Colorants USA LLC) submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 1,4- bis[[3-[2-(2- hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]propyl]amino]- 9,10-anthracenedione, when used in accordance with the terms of those exemptions. (March 1)
• Various Fragrance Components in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of various fragrance components listed in Unit II of this document when they are used as inert ingredients in antimicrobial formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairyprocessing equipment, and foodprocessing equipment and utensils when the end-use concentration does not exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). Innovative Reform Group, on behalf of The Clorox Company, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of various fragrance components, when used in accordance with the terms of those exemptions. (March 1)
• EPA Releases Updated Draft Risk Assessment for Pesticide Malathion
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an updated draft human health risk assessment (HH DRA) for the pesticide malathion. The updated HH DRA amends the 2016 malathion dietary, occupational, and residential risk assessments using updated information and techniques. The updated HH DRA finds no human health risks of concern for malathion when used in accordance with label instructions. EPA is also proposing several food tolerance changes, based on commodity definition revisions and to harmonize tolerance levels with those of other countries. (March 1)
• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in table 1 of unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a July 26, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrant listed in table 2 of unit II, to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the July 26, 2023, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 180-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrant withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (March 4)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim decisions for the following pesticides: acrolein and oxyfluorfen. The notice also announces the availability of EPA’s proposed registration review decision for demiditraz. EPA is opening a 60-day public comment period for these proposed interim and proposed registration review decisions. (March 7)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s work plans and registration review case dockets for the following chemicals: Nucleopolyhedroviruses and Granuloviruses (Insect Viruses). EPA is opening a 60-day public comment period for these work plans and case dockets. (March 7)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decision for etofenprox. The notice also announces the availability of EPA’s final registration review decision for acetaminophen. (March 7)
• Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), and Its Metabolite Diacetylethylenediamine (DAED); Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance
  EPA is proposing to exempt residues of the antimicrobial pesticide ingredient Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), including its metabolites and degradates, from the requirement of a tolerance when used on or applied to food contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy processing equipment, and food processing equipment and utensils. This rulemaking is proposed on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), in order to implement the tolerance actions EPA identified during its review of these chemicals as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (March 8)
• Cloquintocet-mexyl in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerances for Residues
  This regulation amends the tolerance expression for residues of the safener cloquintocet-mexyl (acetic acid, [(5-chloro-8-quinolinyl)oxy]-, 1- methylhexyl ester) (CAS Reg. No. 99607–70–2) and its acid metabolite (5- chloro-8-quinlinoxyacetic acid) by removing the active ingredients listed in the tolerance expression so that the safener can be used in any herbicide formulation applied to the listed commodities. Corteva Agriscience submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the revision to the tolerance expression for residues of the safener cloquintocet-mexyl. There is no change to the numerical tolerances or the listed commodities. (March 14)
• Formaldehyde; Draft Risk Evaluation Peer Review by the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC); Notice of Availability, Public Meetings and Request for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or ‘‘Agency’’) is announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on the 2024 draft risk evaluation for formaldehyde prepared under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The draft risk evaluation is available for public review and comment. It will also be submitted to the SACC for peer review. EPA is also announcing that there will be two virtual public meetings of the SACC. The SACC will consider and review the draft risk evaluation at a 4-day virtual peer review public meeting that will be held on May 20–23, 2024. In addition, a virtual preparatory public meeting will be held on May 7, 2024, for the SACC to consider the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions for the peer review. (March 15)
• Chlorpyrifos; Amendment to Existing Stocks Provisions in Adama Product Cancellation Orders
  On May 4, 2023 and November 6, 2023, EPA issued final cancellation orders terminating food uses for three products, which were voluntarily requested by Adama and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Agency is issuing this notice to amend the existing stocks provisions in the May 4, and November 6, 2023 orders, for the products listed in this document. (March 15)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability; Technical Correction
  In the Federal Register of March 7, 2024, EPA issued a notice to announce the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decision for etofenprox, and the final registration review decision for acetaminophen. That notice incorrectly included a DATES section that established a comment deadline of May 6, 2024. A comment period is not necessary or appropriate for that document because the decision announced in that document are final for the interim phase of the process for etofenprox and a final decision for acetaminophen. This document corrects that document by reaffirming the nature of all the decisions announced in that document and by closing the comment period it incorrectly established. (March 15)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (February 2024)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (March 22)

February 28, 2024

EPA Region 7 Grantee Seeks to Decrease Children’s Exposure to Lead and Pesticides in Vulnerable St. Louis Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has awarded Children’s Mercy Region 7 Director of the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit Dr. Elizabeth Friedman a one-year, $40,000 cooperative agreement grant to conduct outreach and education on children’s lead and pesticide safety and exposure risk reduction to child care providers in St. Louis, Missouri. “EPA Region 7 is committed to continuing its efforts to reduce children’s exposure from all sources of lead and pesticides,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “This grant exemplifies our commitment to reducing sources of lead and pesticide exposure across the region and in historically underserved and overburdened communities.”

February 27, 2024

Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Notice of Public Meetings
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Pesticide Programs is announcing the dates for the 2024 meetings of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on June 5 and 6, and November 13 and 14, 2024, respectively. These meetings are open to the public and will be held in person. Limited opportunities for virtual participation will be offered.

February 15, 2024

EPA Releases New Methodology to Detect Low Levels of PFAS in Plastic Containers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is releasing a new methodology for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plastic containers, taking another step to protect the public from these harmful chemicals. The new method will provide an additional tool for EPA and for industries that use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers to identify PFAS contamination. This action also supports EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which renewed the Agency’s commitment to using sound science and investing in research to proactively stop PFAS chemicals from entering the environment.

February 14, 2024

EPA Provides Update on Over-the-Top Uses of Dicamba
In light of the February 6, 2024, ruling by the U.S. District Court of Arizona vacating the 2020 registrations for over-the-top (OTT) dicamba products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing the following update. On February 14, 2024, EPA issued an Existing Stocks Order for Dicamba Products Previously Registered for Over-the-Top Use on Dicamba-Tolerant Cotton and Soybean. This Order addresses use of the formerly-registered dicamba products and authorizes limited sale and distribution of dicamba products that are already in the possession of growers or in the channels of trade and outside the control of the pesticide companies.
 

EPA Awards $10 Million to Oregon State University to Support Pesticide Safety Education
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marks National Pesticide Safety Education Month, the Agency has awarded a $10 million cooperative agreement to Oregon State University to support the operations of the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), a resource that provides the public with objective, science-based information on pesticide-related subjects. Funding under this agreement supports the safe use of pesticides through information provided via the web, phone, and direct outreach.

February 8, 2024

EPA and USDA Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Help Protect Endangered Species and Support Sustainable Agriculture
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to better align EPA’s strategies for protecting endangered species from pesticides with USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) practices. This coordination will help EPA meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) while increasing flexibility for the agricultural community and keeping safe, effective pest management tools in farmers’ hands.
 

EPA Shares National Marine Fisheries Service’s Final Endangered Species Act Biological Opinion for Carbaryl and Methomyl
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sharing the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) final biological opinion for the pesticides carbaryl and methomyl. After working with EPA and registrants on mitigation measures to protect federally threatened and endangered (listed) species since the release of the draft biological opinion in March 2023, NMFS has determined that the registered uses of these pesticides will not result in jeopardy determinations. This means that they do not anticipate that these pesticides will jeopardize listed species or adversely modify critical habitats when used in accordance with label language that is reflected in the biological opinion.

February 7, 2024

EPA Outlines Implementation Approaches for Endangered Species Act Pesticide Policies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the latest steps to incorporate stakeholder feedback and collaboration with federal partners, ensuring the Agency’s work to protect endangered species from pesticides is practical, flexible, and supports the agricultural community. Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff described these steps in a speech to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. “Protecting endangered species and ensuring we have a safe and abundant food supply can go hand in hand,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “The steps we’re announcing today are designed to meet this dual obligation of providing the agricultural community with the tools and flexibility they need while ensuring pesticides aren’t harming endangered species.”

February 5, 2024

Chlorpyrifos; Reinstatement of Tolerances
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is amending its regulations to reflect the current legal status of the chlorpyrifos tolerances following a court order vacating the Agency’s revocation of those tolerances. EPA is issuing this as a final action that is effective upon publication since this action simply conforms the regulations to reflect the tolerances that have already been legally reinstated by the court’s order.

February 2, 2024

EPA Update on the Use of the Pesticide Chlorpyrifos on Food
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used for a large variety of agricultural uses, including soybeans, fruit and nut trees, broccoli, cauliflower, and other row crops, as well as non-food uses. In a final rule issued in August 2021, EPA revoked all tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which establish an amount of a pesticide that is allowed on food. This action effectively stopped the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on all food and animal feed. EPA took this action in response to an April 2021 order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for the Agency to issue—within 60 days—a final rule addressing the use of chlorpyrifos in food or feed crops, without taking public comment or engaging in “further fact-finding.”

February 1, 2024

EPA Issues Guidance on “Absence of an Ingredient” Claims for Pesticide Products
EPA is issuing guidance to clarify how it will evaluate “absence of an ingredient” claims for pesticide products regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). These claims appear on pesticide labeling and state that the product is free of a particular ingredient. “Absence of an ingredient” claims that are false or misleading are not permissible under FIFRA. In limited instances, where information indicates that these types of claims are not false or misleading, EPA will allow these types of claims. In this guidance, EPA discusses some specific “absence of an ingredient” claims commonly proposed by applicants, such as “absence of bleach,” “absence of phosphates,” and “absence of DEET.” 

February 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Saflufenacil; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of saflufenacil in or on corn, field, forage; corn, field, stover; and corn, field, milled byproducts; and amends the existing commodity definition for Crop Group 16 to Crop Group 16–22. BASF Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 2)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (December 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (February 5)
• Pesticides; Flexible Packaging; Child Resistant Packaging Requirements; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that pesticide products marketed in flexible packaging (e.g., pouches) 20 fluid ounces or less in size with labeling either directly recommending residential use or reasonably interpreted to permit residential use are subject to the Child Resistant Packaging (CRP) mitigation measures, regardless of acute toxicity requirements, based on the visual similarity of the packaging design to children’s food products. As such, pesticide applicants and registrants must comply with CRP for this packaging type at the size limits specified when labeled for or reasonably interpreted to permit residential use and EPA will evaluate applications for new products or amendments to currently registered products submitted to EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (referred to as ‘‘PRIA 5’’). Changes to packaging to implement CRP measures on existing products must be submitted as described in this document to allow for CRP data review. Additionally, the Agency is including recommended labeling mitigation for all flexible packaging, regardless of packaging size and intended use site. (February 8)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (December 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (February 9)
• U1-AGTX-Ta1b-QA Protein; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the U1-AGTXTa1b-QA protein in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Vestaron Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the U1-AGTXTa1b-QA protein in and on all food commodities. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of U1- AGTX-Ta1b-QA protein under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (February 12)
• EPA Files Complaint for Rat Poison Sold in Plastic Baggies in St. Louis
  On Feb. 8, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a complaint seeking $149,659 in civil penalties against Timothy Wilson, a pesticide dealer doing business as Wilson’s Pest Control with two locations in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. (February 22)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants, and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a July 28, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel and amend to terminate uses of all these product registrations. In the July 28, 2023, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations and amendments to terminate uses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (February 23)
• EPA Launches New List of Disinfectants Effective Against HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C Viruses
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has combined and updated information from several disinfectant lists to create a new list titled “EPA-Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Bloodborne Pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) [List S]." EPA launched this new disinfectant list to increase the accessibility, accuracy, and functionality of the information for all readers, including health care providers and hospital staff. (February 26)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (January 2024)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (February 27)
• Triclopyr; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of triclopyr, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on sugarcane, cane. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR– 4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 28)
• Pesticides; Proposed Removal of Polytetrafluoroethylene From List of Approved Inert Ingredients for Pesticide Products
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to remove polytetrafluoroethylene (CAS No. 9002– 84–0) from the current list of inert ingredients approved for use in food use and nonfood use pesticide products because this inert ingredient has been identified as a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) that is no longer used in any registered pesticide product. (February 28)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (January 2024)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (February 29)

January 31, 2024

Agricultural Stakeholders Listening Session for the Sackett Decision
EPA will be hosting a virtual listening session for agricultural stakeholders focused on identifying issues that may arise outside the September 2023 rule to conform the definition of “waters of the United States” in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency on February 27, 2024 from 1:00-3:30pm EDT. For more information, and to register, visit the WOTUS Public Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement Activities page.

January 29, 2024

EPA Taking Public Comment on Draft Policy to Strengthen Scientific Integrity
On January 24, EPA released draft updates to its Scientific Integrity policy for public comment. The updates would include adopting a new Federal definition of scientific integrity and improving the culture of scientific integrity at the Agency. EPA developed the updated policy in response to the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking.

January 25, 2024

EPA Requests Input on Pesticide Safety Education Program for Farmworkers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public input on the design of a new National Farmworker Training and Education Program (NFTEP) on pesticide safety. The NFTEP is a grant program funded through the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5) and will support activities such as pesticide safety training, materials development, and outreach to farmworkers.

EPA Regional Administrator visits VSU to bolster partnership and educational opportunities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz visited Virginia State University on Jan. 24 to meet with VSU President Makola Abdullah to discuss EPA's current partnership with VSU and begin talks for renewing the five-year agreement later this year. The meeting focused on the collaboration efforts between EPA, VSU, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, expanding student participation in programs and increasing student exposure to environmental science career fields.

January 10, 2024

Update on EPA’s Progress for Implementing the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the Agency’s first year progress on deliverables under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5). Registration service fees authorized by PRIA fund approximately one third of EPA’s pesticide program activities. In recent years, EPA has received an increased number of applications requiring the Agency to review more scientifically complex topics, including implementation of Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance as part of its regulatory determinations. Fee increases and revised decision review timeframes authorized by PRIA 5 help improve EPA’s performance in its review of new applications and reevaluation of older registered pesticides. In addition to revised fees and decision timeframes, PRIA 5 included new provisions, such as implementation of farmworker protections and health clinician training, bilingual pesticide labeling, targeted funding to address the backlog of non-fee related applications, and development of ESA guidance to registrants.

January 8, 2024

EPA Issues Advisory on Pesticides Used to Control Varroa Mites in Beehives, Including Coordinated Efforts to Support the Beekeeping Community
EPA is issuing an advisory to clarify what pesticide products and active ingredients are registered to control Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) in beehives, what tolerances or exemptions under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) apply to those products, and how the Agency views the use of unregistered products to treat beehives for one’s own personal use. Additionally, EPA remains committed to collaborating with and supporting the beekeeping community and is providing an update on those efforts. This includes working with the beekeeping community to register new tools for managing beehive pests and working with our federal and local partners to advance valuable research.

January 3, 2024

EPA Updates Annual Pesticide Registration Maintenance Fee Materials for FY2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is notifying pesticide registrants that the Agency has updated its annual pesticide registration maintenance fees webpage and fee tables. Registrants will need to access their product filing forms, pay maintenance fees, and return completed documents to EPA for processing by Jan. 16, 2024.

January 2024 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Human Studies Review Board (HSRB) Meetings for 2024
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), gives notice of the upcoming 2024 public meetings of the Human Studies Review Board (HSRB). The HSRB provides advice, information, and recommendations on issues related to scientific and ethical aspects of thirdparty human subjects’ research that are submitted to the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), to be used for regulatory purposes. EPA is announcing this meeting with less than 15 calendar days public notice. (January 8)
• Pesticides; Petition Seeking Rulemaking for Registration of Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Other Systemic Insecticides; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment; Extension of Comment Period
  In the Federal Register of November 24, 2023, EPA announced the availability of and solicited comment on a petition received from the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) requesting that the Agency initiate a rulemaking for neonicotinoid insecticides and other systemic insecticides. This document extends the comment period, which was scheduled to end on January 23, 2024, to March 25, 2024. (January 12)
• Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances; Correction
  EPA issued a final rule in the Federal Register of October 11, 2022, establishing tolerances for residues of methoxyfenozide in or on multiple commodities requested by the Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). That document inadvertently omitted an instruction to add a tolerance for the commodity ‘‘bean, mung, dry seed’’. This document corrects the final regulation. (January 22)
• Linuron; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of linuron in or on alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay. Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (January 23)
• Baicalin in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Baicalin anhydrous and Baicalin hydrate when used as inert ingredients (stabilizer) on growing crops pre-harvest, limited to a maximum concentration of 10% of the end-use formulation. Exponent, Inc. on behalf of UPL NA Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of baicalin anhydrous and baicalin hydrate, when used in accordance with the terms of those exemptions. (January 24)
• Pesticides; Request for Stakeholder Input on the Proposed Design of Assistance Agreements for a National Farmworker Training and Education Program; Notice of Availability and Opportunity for Comment
  EPA is announcing the availability of a Request for Information (RFI) that seeks public comment to inform the design of its National Farmworker Training and Education Program (NFTEP). The NFTEP will be a series of assistance agreements to conduct pesticide safety trainings for farmworkers and farmworker communities, create pesticide safety educational and training materials, and develop innovative outreach and delivery strategies. The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5) included set-asides of up to $7.5 million in total for fiscal years 2023–2027 to fund the NFTEP. PRIA 5 also requires EPA to seek input from persons who conduct farmworker education and training to inform the program’s Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), formerly called Requests for Applications (RFAs). EPA has previously solicited input on its PRIA-funded worker protection activities, including cooperative agreements, through the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC), which includes representatives of farmworker-serving organizations. (January 25)
• O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol (OBPCP); Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of ortho-benzylpara-chlorophenol, potassium 2-benzyl4-chlorophenate, and sodium 2-benzyl4-chlorophenate on food contact surfaces when applied/used in public eating places, dairy processing equipment, and/or food processing equipment and utensils. These tolerance exemptions are established on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), in order to implement the tolerance actions EPA identified during its review of these chemicals as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (January 31)
• Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards for 2024; Call for Submissions
  The Safer Choice program in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting submissions for its 2024 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards. EPA developed the Partner of the Year Awards to recognize the leadership contributions of Safer Choice partners and stakeholders who have shown achievement in the design, manufacture, promotion, selection, and use of products with safer chemicals, that further outstanding or innovative source reduction. EPA especially encourages submission of award applications that show how the applicant’s work involving products with safer chemical ingredients promotes environmental justice, bolsters resilience to the impacts of climate change, results in cleaner air or water, improves drinking water quality, or advances innovation in packaging. Similar achievement in the design, manufacture, promotion, selection, and use of Design for the Environment (DfE)- certified products will also make an organization eligible for the Partner of the Year Awards. (January 31)

December 15, 2023

EPA Seeks Public Input on Proposal to Reduce Water Pollution from Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed regulation that would revise wastewater discharge standards for facilities that process meat and poultry products. Many of these facilities are located near communities with environmental justice concerns that have bodies of water impaired by nutrient pollution. The agency’s proposal would leverage the latest pollution control technologies to cut the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants discharged to the nation’s waters by approximately 100 million pounds of pollutants per year, improving water quality for downstream communities and ecosystems.

EPA Names Martha Shimkin as New Director of Chesapeake Bay Program
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Martha Shimkin will lead the Chesapeake Bay Program Office in the Mid-Atlantic Region. “I am pleased to announce Martha as the new director at this critical time for the Chesapeake Bay,” said Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “For more than 40 years now there has been a concerted effort to reduce the pollution entering the Bay watershed and Martha’s leadership will be crucial in carrying that effort forward. This is a critical juncture for the Chesapeake Bay, as we look to the efforts that EPA will take to help states meet their pollution reduction goals.”

December 14, 2023

EPA Releases Final Guidance for Pesticide Submissions for New Outdoor Uses that Require Endangered Species Act Reviews
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final guidance to pesticide registrants to improve the efficiency of EPA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) analyses for new outdoor uses of existing conventional pesticides and biopesticide active ingredients. This guidance fulfills requirements outlined in the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5) and furthers goals outlined in EPA’s 2022 ESA Workplan to protect listed species from exposure to pesticides.

EPA Proposes Water Quality Standards to Protect Aquatic Life in Certain Sections of the Delaware River
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule to establish federal water quality standards (WQS) for certain zones of the Delaware River under the jurisdictions of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The EPA’s proposed rule includes a designated use that would support the protection and propagation of aquatic life as well as dissolved oxygen water quality criteria to protect that use. The proposed WQS reflect the latest scientific knowledge on the dissolved oxygen requirements of sensitive aquatic species in the Delaware River, including the federally endangered Atlantic Sturgeon and Shortnose Sturgeon.

December 4, 2023

AgSTAR Webinar: Tools and Resources - Understanding the Financial and Environmental Benefits of Anerobic Digestion
Join AgSTAR for a webinar on Tuesday, December 5, from 1:00–2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Presenters from the EPA will introduce the AgSTAR Program and provide an overview of tools and resources available to support anaerobic digestion (AD) projects. Attendees will learn how to estimate the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of anaerobic digestion using the Anaerobic Digestion Screening Tool and Organics Economics (OrganEcs). Register now! AgSTAR Tools and Resources - Understanding the Financial and Environmental Benefits of Anerobic Digestion.
 

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council; Notification of Public Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides notice that the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will meet on the date and time described below. The meeting is open to the public. The NEJAC is interested in receiving public comments relevant to the following charges: (1) Cumulative Impacts Framework Charge and (2) Farmworker and Pesticides Charge. For additional information about registering to attend the meeting or to provide public comment, please see ‘‘REGISTRATION’’ under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. PreRegistration is required.

December 2, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Releases Draft National Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the “Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” as part of President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to tackle climate change and promote a circular economy. The draft strategy outlines specific EPA, USDA, and FDA actions to prevent the loss and waste of food and other organic wastes, reducing associated environmental impacts such as methane pollution, a potent contributor to climate change with 28 times more warming potential than carbon dioxide. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced this draft national strategy during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as one of the United States’ key deliverables. This strategy is also a deliverable in the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022.

December 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• EPA Releases Draft Biological Evaluation of 11 Rodenticides’ Effects on Endangered Species
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a draft Biological Evaluation (BE) that includes EPA’s draft effects determinations for federally listed and proposed threatened and endangered (“listed”) species and critical habitats for 11 rodenticide active ingredients. The draft BE (once finalized) will serve as the Agency’s Rodenticide Strategy as outlined in EPA’s Endangered Species Act Workplan to guide how the Agency addresses mitigation for rodenticides going forward and will be available for public comment for 60 days. (December 1)
• EPA Posts Final Endangered Species Act Biological Opinion for Enlist Herbicide Products
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) final biological opinion (BiOp) for Enlist pesticide products. Enlist One and Enlist Duo are two herbicides used to control weeds in corn, cotton, and soybean crops. These crops have been genetically modified to be resistant to these pesticide products. (December 1)
• Chlorpyrifos; Amendment to Existing Stocks Provisions of Chlorpyrifos Cancellation Order for Certain Chlorpyrifos Products
  On August 31, 2022, EPA announced its final cancellation order for 16 chlorpyrifos products, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This notice amends the existing stocks terms of that cancellation order with respect to one product Liberty Chlorpyrifos 4E registered by Liberty Crop Protection, LLC, and its supplemental distributor product, Vesper, registered by Innvictis Crop Care, LLC (Innvictis). (December 1)
• EPA Fines Kansas City-Based CBD American Shaman LLC for Violating Federal Pesticide Law
  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company unlawfully sold and/or distributed six antimicrobial pesticides called “Shaman Cleansing Wash” and “Shaman Cleansing Gel” without registering the products with EPA, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. (December 6)
• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the diazinon products listed in Table 1 of Unit II., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an October 23, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 2 of Unit II. to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the October 23, 2023, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency received a comment on the notice, but it did not merit further review of the requests. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (December 12)
• Dodine; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of dodine in or on Fruit, pome, group 11–10; Fruit, stone, group 12–12; Nut, tree, group 14– 12; and Olive, with pit. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (December 13)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses November 2023
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (December 15)
• Kasugamycin; Extension of Time Limited Tolerance for Emergency Exemption
  This regulation extends time limited tolerances for residues of kasugamycin in or on almond and almond, hulls as identified in this document. This action is in response to EPA’s granting of an emergency exemption under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of this pesticide. In addition, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires EPA to establish a time-limited tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA. Further, EPA issued a final rule in the Federal Register of November 3, 2023, that extended time-limited tolerances for multiple chemicals on various commodities in response to EPA’s granting of emergency exemptions. EPA inadvertently omitted the detailed instructions for the revision of the tolerances for kasugamycin. Therefore, EPA is issuing this final rule to rectify this omission. (December 18)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (November 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (December 19)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients November 2023
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (December 19)
• EPA Update on Next Steps for Chlorpyrifos
  In light of the November 2, 2023, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to vacate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 final rule effectively prohibiting the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on food or feed crops, EPA is issuing an update on its intended next steps. (December 19)
• EPA Launches New Program to Incentivize the Development of Novel Mosquito Control Product
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new program, the Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) Program, to incentivize companies to develop novel or unique mosquito control products to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. The Agency is required to implement this program under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (known as “PRIA 5”). (December 21)
• EPA Registers Novel Pesticide Technology for Potato Crops
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered biopesticide products containing the new active ingredient Ledprona for three years, a timeframe that is consistent with EPA’s approach to other novel biopesticide products. Ledprona is a new type of pesticide that relies on a natural mechanism--called RNA interference (RNAi)--used by plants and animals to protect against disease. EPA supports advancements in novel pesticide technology because this technology replaces more toxic chemical-based pesticides, provide an additional tool for farmers to address challenges of climate change, and aids in resistance management. (December 22)
• Pesticide Registration Notice 2023–2; Establishment of the Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) Program; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) 2023–2, entitled ‘‘Establishment of the Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) Program.’’ PR Notices are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important program policies, procedures, and registration related decisions, and serve to provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. This PR Notice establishes and describes the new VERV Program. The implementation of the VERV Program will incentivize the development of new insecticides to control and prevent the spread of vector-borne disease. (December 22)
• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an April 24, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 2 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the April 24, 2023, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 180-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency received one general comment on the notice, but none merited its further review of the requests. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (December 27)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants, and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1, Table 1A & Table 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an October 16, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel and/or amend to terminate uses of certain product registrations. In the October 16, 2023, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations and/or amendments to terminate uses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (December 27)
• Availability of the BMD Model Code and BMD Modeling Output Files for the Draft IRIS Toxicological Review of Inorganic Arsenic; Notice of Comment Period
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a public comment period on the benchmark dose (BMD) model code and BMD modeling output files associated with the Draft IRIS Toxicological Review of Inorganic Arsenic. The original Federal Register notice associated with the draft IRIS inorganic arsenic assessment was published on October 16, 2023, and closed on December 15, 2023. After reviewing the comments received on the draft assessment, EPA is opening an additional public comment period on the BMD model code and the BMD modeling output files that were not accessible by the public during the original comment period due to a technical issue. For submissions received during this public comment period, EPA will only address comments on the BMD model code and BMD modeling output files, which are available at: https://gaftp.epa.gov/EPADataCommons/ORD/DRAFTiAsToxReview/. (December 29)
• Clothianidin; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment
  EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to use the insecticide clothianidin (CAS No. 210– 880–92–5) as a soil drench application to treat up to 125,376 acres of immature (3–5 years old) citrus trees to control the transmission of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). The applicant proposes a use that has been requested in 5 or more previous years. Therefore, EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemption. (December 29)

November 17, 2023

EPA Releases Meeting Minutes and Final Report for August 2023 Science Advisor Meeting Evaluating the Effects of Atrazine on Aquatic Ecosystems
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the meeting minutes and final report document for the August 2023, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) that peer reviewed EPA’s white paper: Examination of Microcosm/Mesocosm Studies for Evaluating the Effects of Atrazine on Aquatic Plant Communities. The white paper presented EPA’s reevaluation of 11 atrazine studies identified by the 2012 FIFRA SAP as warranting further review.

November 16, 2023

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee; Notice To Establish Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership to the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to serve on a new subcommittee of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC), entitled the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality (AAWQ) subcommittee. The goal of the AAWQ subcommittee will be to provide recommendations that will inform the Agency’s decisions regarding how to improve the implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permitting program to more effectively reduce nutrients and other types of water pollutants from Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs), including determining whether any revisions to the regulations are warranted, and whether EPA can otherwise support the efforts of AFO operators to protect water quality.

November 15, 2023

EPA Requests Comment on Modernizing Pesticide Label System to Improve Safety and Accessibility
The U.S. Environmental Protection agency is requesting feedback on its plan to adopt digital pesticide labels that will make labeling information clearer, more consistent, and more accessible to users. The Agency is specifically requesting feedback on the proposed organization of digital labels and the proposed phases of developing these labels.
The whitepaper will be open for 120 days for comment at www.regulations.gov on docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0562.

November 13, 2023

Reports Available in Response to President Biden's Executive Order 14081
In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have posted the following two documents on the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation. The agencies issued a Report on Stakeholder Outreach Related to Ambiguities, Gaps, Uncertainties in Regulation of Biotechnology Under the Coordinated Framework (pdf) (251.61 KB) on the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. The agencies also posted The Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology Plain language information on the biotechnology regulatory system (pdf) (397.49 KB) for the regulation of products of biotechnology. Each agency provided updates on the availability of the reports to their respective stakeholders.

November 9, 2023

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Reporting Air Releases of Hazardous Substances from Animal Waste at Farms under EPCRA
On November 9, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan signed an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit comment and information on reinstating the reporting requirements for animal waste air emissions at farms under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). EPA is seeking information on how to promote compliance and accuracy in reporting, how to streamline reporting requirements, a potential small farm exemption, and user needs for a reporting instrument, including identifying when reporting would be required. 
The public may provide comments at www.regulations.gov (Docket ID No.: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0142) until February 15, 2024.

November 1, 2023

EPA Announces the Small Communities Big Challenges: Rural Environmental Health Needs Competition
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of the Small Communities, Big Challenges: Rural Environmental Health Needs Competition, which invites local governments to demonstrate innovative strategies for engaging with rural communities to collaboratively identify their environmental health needs. The competition will expand community engagement, stimulate new partnerships with local communities and increase understanding of rural environmental health needs to help protect human health and the environment.

November 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticides; Concept for a Framework To Assess the Risk to the Effectiveness of Human and Animal Drugs Posed by Certain Antibacterial or Antifungal Pesticides; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment; Extension of Comment Period
  In the Federal Register of September 26, 2023, EPA announced the availability of and solicited public comment on the concept for developing a framework to improve assessments of potential risks to human and animal health where the use of certain pesticides could potentially result in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that compromises the effectiveness of medically important antibacterial and antifungal drugs; and sought feedback on research gaps and other information to help inform the risk assessment and mitigation processes. This document extends the comment period, which was scheduled to end on November 13, 2023, for 30 days. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the notice, ‘‘Pesticides; Concept for a Framework to Assess the Risk to the Effectiveness of Human and Animal Drugs Posed by Certain Antibacterial or Antifungal Pesticides; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment.’’ EPA published the notice in the Federal Register on September 26, 2023, and the public comment period was scheduled to end on November 13, 2023. However, EPA has received requests for additional time to develop and submit comments on the notice. In response to the request for additional time, the EPA is extending the comment period for an additional 30 days, through December 13, 2023. (November 1)
• EPA Approves Strengthened Pesticide Safety Plans for Certifying Applicators
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with state and tribal co-regulators, is strengthening the protection of human health and the environment and reaffirming its commitment to environmental justice by announcing the final approval of 67 updated plans for certifying applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). RUPs are pesticides that are the most acutely toxic pesticides or those needing to be applied with special care. With this announcement, all areas of the U.S. will be able to continue certifying applicators of RUPs, but now must also begin the process of holding RUP applicators to higher safety standards. (November 3)
• Final Cancellation Order for Certain Chlorpyrifos Registrations and Uses
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby announces its final cancellation order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This final cancellation order follows a May 3, 2023, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel or amend these product registrations. In the May 3, 2023, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue a final order implementing the cancellations and amendments, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency received two comments on the notice, which are summarized in Unit III.B. EPA’s responses to these comments and its determination that these comments do not merit further review of these cancellation and amendment requests are included in Unit III.C. None of the registrants withdrew their request for these voluntary cancellations or amendments. Accordingly, EPA hereby grants the requested cancellations and amendments to terminate uses as shown in this cancellation order. Any distribution, sale, or use of existing stocks of these products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order. (November 6)
• EPA Publishes New Webpage to Answer Frequently Asked Questions on the EPA/FDA Whitepaper on Modernizing Oversight of Products for Animals Regulated as Pesticides or New Animal Drugs
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are publishing new web content to provide an overview of the topics raised during the public comment period and to answer frequently asked questions about EPA and FDA’s whitepaper, “A Modern Approach to EPA and FDA Product Oversight.” (November 7)
• L-Lactic Acid; Proposed Tolerance Actions
  EPA is proposing to remove a duplicative exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of L-lactic acid, herein referred to as lactic acid, when applied to dairyprocessing equipment and foodprocessing equipment and utensils. In addition, the Agency is proposing to establish exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of lactic acid when used as a fruit and vegetable wash in or on all raw agricultural commodities, and for indirect or inadvertent residues of lactic acid in or on all livestock commodities, when residues are present therein as a result of animal drinking water coming into contact with hard non-porous surfaces treated with lactic acid (i.e., troughs). This rulemaking is proposed on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), in order to implement the tolerance actions EPA identified during its review of this chemical as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (November 13)
• Pesticides; White Paper Describing Benefits of Structured and Digital Content Labels for Pesticide Products; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on a white paper describing the benefits of the creation, submission, review, approval, and distribution of structured content and digital pesticide labels. Structured labels are information or content that is organized in a predictable way, and digital content is those categorized fields with metadata. The current process for submitting, reviewing, and approving labels is timeconsuming for both registrants and regulators. The increasing complexity of pesticide labels, inconsistent label language across products, and inconsistent placement of information on the labels often creates significant challenges for pesticide users and the public seeking information about how to use the products. Structured content and digital labels could streamline and standardize the submission, review, and access to label content, providing benefits across the spectrum of stakeholders. In addition to developing a framework for structured content and digital labels, EPA intends to identify the key information needed for the structured digital label. (November 15)
• Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
  EPA has granted emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted during the period July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, to control unforeseen pest outbreaks. (November 20)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (October 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (November 21)
• EPA Publishes Update on Vulnerable Species Pilot
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing an update to its Vulnerable Species Pilot (VSP) to help the public better understand the status of this initiative. As part of implementing the Agency’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) Workplan, EPA released the Draft VSP white paper on June 22, 2023, where the Agency identified 27 federally threatened and endangered (listed) species that are vulnerable to pesticides, identified and proposed mitigations to minimize or avoid pesticide exposure, and described an approach to implement the mitigation in future pesticide decisions. EPA provided a 45-day public comment period on the draft white paper and the associated technical document and received more than 10,000 comments from a diverse set of groups. Approximately 200 of these were unique comments, with the remainder being a mail-in campaign in support of the VSP. EPA has been evaluating the public comments and determining next steps. The Agency previously committed to provide updates on whether it expects to revise the proposed mitigations and include additional measures in the pilot after consideration of public comments. EPA is meeting that commitment through today’s update and expects to make some revisions to the VSP framework based on the public comments, which will also inform how EPA implements the VSP. (November 22)
• EPA Seeks Public Comment on Petition for Rulemaking to Require Efficacy Data for Systemic Insecticides
  EPA is seeking public comment on a petition received from the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), and 63 additional signatories requesting that the Agency initiate a rulemaking for neonicotinoid and other systemic insecticides. (November 24)
• Oxathiapiprolin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of oxathiapiprolin in or on peanut, hay. Syngenta Crop Protection requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 24)
• Pesticides; Petition Seeking Rulemaking for Registration of Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Other Systemic Insecticides; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of and seeking public comment on a petition received from the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) requesting that the Agency initiate a rulemaking for neonicotinoid insecticides and other systemic insecticides. PEER and ABC believe the Agency should amend the existing regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Rodenticide, and Fungicide Act (FIFRA) to require all applicants and registrants of neonicotinoid and other systemic insecticides to provide performance (efficacy) data to the Agency in applications for registration and during registration review. (November 24)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability; Technical Correction
  In the Federal Register of October 18, 2023, EPA issued a notice to announce the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decisions for the following chemicals: Citric acid and salts, and linalool; and the closure of the registration review case for triadimenol. That notice incorrectly included a DATES section that established a comment deadline of December 18, 2023. A comment period is not necessary or appropriate for that document because the decisions announced in that document are final for triadimenol, and final for the interim phase of the process for citric acid and salts, and linalool. This document corrects that document by reaffirming the nature of all the decisions announced in that document and by closing the comment period it incorrectly established. (November 24)
• Tolpyralate; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of tolpyralate in or on barley, wheat and livestock commodities. ISK Biosciences Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 27)
• Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request (October 2023)
  This notice announces EPA’s receipt of an application 524–EUP–RRI. from Bayer U.S. Crop Science LLC requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for the MON 95275, Stack Combinations with MON 94804 and Registered Insect-Protected Corn Traits and Controls. The Agency has determined that the permit may be of regional and national significance. Therefore, because of the potential significance, EPA is seeking comments on this application. (November 28)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (October 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (November 28)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients October 2023
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (November 28)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (August 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (November 30)

October 26, 2023

EPA Rebuilds Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program to Better Assess Human Endocrine Effects of Pesticides 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a strategic plan to ensure that its assessments of pesticides more closely, quickly, and effectively evaluate the potential for endocrine effects in humans. These strategies will also improve EPA’s ability to protect against those effects as part of its pesticide decisions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and to implement the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) under section 408(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

October 19, 2023

EPA, Iowa State University, and University of Iowa Announce Discounted Registration for Media at Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm Conference
EPA Region 7 announced members of the media will receive discounted registration fees for the upcoming conference titled "Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm: Optimizing environmental and economic outcomes for rural communities and beyond." EPA Region 7, with partners Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, will co-host the regionally focused conference on anaerobic digestion (AD) in agriculture on Nov. 6-8, 2023, at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

EPA Releases New Food Waste Reports
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released two new reports quantifying methane emissions from landfilled food waste and updating recommendations for managing wasted food. Over one-third of the food produced in the United States is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce, transport, process, and distribute it – and much of it is sent to landfills, where it breaks down and generates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
EPA reports being released today include: “From Field to Bin: The Environmental Impacts of U.S. Food Waste Management Pathways,” which examines the environmental impacts of disposing of food waste. This report synthesizes the latest science on the environmental impacts of how food waste is commonly managed in the U.S. This report completes the analysis that began in the 2021 companion report, “From Farm to Kitchen: The Environmental Impacts of U.S. Food Waste,” which analyzed the environmental footprint of food waste in the farm to consumer supply chain.

October 17, 2023

EPA Holds Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Meeting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on Nov. 15-16, 2023. This meeting will have both a virtual and in-person attendance option. The PPDC provides feedback to EPA on pesticide regulatory, policy, and program issues and includes representatives from environmental groups, pesticide manufacturers, trade associations, academia, and federal and state agencies.

October 16, 2023

EPA Awards $3.8M in Research Grants to Establish Research Centers to Address Children’s Health in Underserved, Rural Agricultural Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3,798,738 in grant funding to two institutions to establish research centers to address children’s cumulative health impacts from agricultural and non-chemical exposures. Children in underserved, rural agricultural communities face increased health risks due to the combination of agricultural pollutants in air, water, and soil, as well as non-chemical stressors such as poverty and limited access to services. There is an urgent need to investigate the cumulative health impacts of chemical and non-chemical exposures for children in these communities to help inform better health outcomes for them as they grow.

October 12, 2023

EPA Issues Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Public Comment to Seek Additional Information on Use of Pesticide Treated Seed and Paint
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) for public comment to seek additional information on the use of pesticide-treated seed and paint products. In particular, EPA is looking to better understand whether or to what extent pesticide-treated seed and paint need to be further regulated. Based on the Agency’s findings, EPA may pursue a rule or take administrative action to address any issues with the use of pesticide-treated seed and paint. Comments can be submitted to docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0420 at www.regulations.gov for the next 60 days.

October 6, 2023

Research for Understanding PFAS Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Plant and Animals in Agricultural, Rural, and Tribal Communities Request for Applications (RFA)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applicants for research to better understand per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uptake in agricultural plants and animals and to help agricultural, rural, and Tribal communities mitigate and manage the impacts of PFAS exposure.

October 4, 2023

EPA $6.3M grant to Salmon-Safe expands agricultural certification program across Columbia Basin
The Environmental Protection Agency announced on October 3 that Portland-based Salmon-Safe will receive a $6.3 million grant from the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program to expand its conservation program in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin. Salmon-Safe works around the Pacific Northwest to incentivize the transition to farming practices and urban development that protect water quality, maintain watershed health and restore habitat.  Salmon-Safe is one of the nation’s leading environmental certification programs with more than 100,000 acres of farm and urban lands certified in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia.

EPA Finalizes Revisions to the EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is strengthening the protection of human health and the environment and reaffirming its commitment to environmental justice in Indian country. Specifically, EPA has finalized revisions to the EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country (EPA Plan) to conform to the 2017 Certification of Pesticide Applicators (CPA) rule.

EPA Awards Cooperative Agreement to Support Pesticide Safety Education Programs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a cooperative agreement to the Extension Foundation (EXF) to administer a national subaward program supporting Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs). The new project, titled “Empowered Up: A Comprehensive PSEFMP Promoting Efficiency & Environmental Justice,” will receive up to $15 million over five years. It will build upon a previous PSEP subaward program, also managed by EXF, which concluded in July 2023.

October 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticides; Draft Guidance and Proposed Method for Antimicrobial Product Efficacy Claims Against Planktonic Legionella Pneumophila in Cooling Tower Water; Notice of Availability and Request for Comments
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on a draft guidance document and proposed method for adding efficacy claims to antimicrobial products for use in cooling tower water to reduce the level of planktonic Legionella pneumophila. The draft guidance document describes efficacy testing for antimicrobial products to support claims for the reduction of planktonic L. pneumophila in water within cooling tower systems and how to prepare an application for registration. The proposed method is for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial products in water of cooling towers against planktonic L. pneumophila. The draft guidance does not address adherent or sessile bacteria that attach to a surface (e.g., biofilm) of the cooling tower system or any other microorganism other than L. pneumophila which may be found in the water of cooling tower systems. (October 2)
• Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Notice of Public Meeting
  Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Pesticide Programs is announcing a public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on November 15 and 16, 2023. The meeting will be held in person and limited opportunities for virtual participation will be offered. (October 2)
• Cypermethrin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of cypermethrin in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. The Tea Association of the U.S.A. Inc. and the American Spice Trade Association requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (October 4)
• Ledprona Double-Stranded RNA; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Ledprona double-stranded (ds) RNA in or on potato when used as a foliar-applied insecticide for the selective control of Colorado potato beetle and in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. GreenLight Biosciences, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Ledprona dsRNA under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (October 5)
• EPA penalizes Idaho company for spraying pesticide near burial service
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Barnett Air LLC, of Nezperce, Idaho, has paid a $2,221 penalty for failing to follow pesticide label instructions when spraying near an outdoor funeral. The penalty is the maximum for this type of violation of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. (October 11)
• Pesticides; Review of Requirements Applicable to Treated Seed and Treated Paint Products; Request for Information and Comments
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting public comments and suggestions about seeds treated with a pesticide registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as well as treated paint. The Agency is considering whether a rule under FIFRA to regulate certain use of treated seed and treated paint products or other administrative action is appropriate considering questions raised by stakeholders. To inform this consideration, EPA is requesting comment and information from all stakeholders on the use and usage of treated seed, including storage, planting, and disposal of the treated seed, and on whether or to what extent treated seed products are being distributed, sold, and used contrary to treating pesticide and treated seed product labeling instructions. Similarly, EPA is requesting comment from stakeholders on the addition of labeling requirements on the labels of treated paint products and potential language that should be included in those labels. (October 12)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s preliminary work plans for the following chemicals: Aureobasidium pullulans and cyflumetofen. With this document, the EPA is opening the public comment period for registration review for these chemicals. (October 18)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s final registration review decisions for the following chemicals: Citric acid and salts, and linalool. In addition, this notice announces the closure of the registration review case for triadimenol because the last U.S. registrations for this pesticide has been canceled. (October 18)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim registration review decisions for bromine, chlorothalonil and triadimefon, and the proposed final registration review decisions for Agrobacterium rodiobacter, and porcine zona pellucida (PZP). This notice also opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed decisions. (October 18)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw their requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registration has been cancelled only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (October 23)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw their requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registration has been cancelled only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (October 23)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (September 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (October 24)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities; September 2023
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (October 26)
• EPA Releases Draft Biological Evaluations of Dinotefuran and Acetamiprid Effects on Endangered Species
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing two draft biological evaluations (BEs) that include EPA’s draft effects determinations for the neonicotinoid insecticides dinotefuran and acetamiprid on federally listed endangered and threatened (listed) species and designated critical habitats. The draft BEs will be available for public comment for 60 days. (October 27)
• Pesticide Registration Review: Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability; Correction
  EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of October 18, 2023, announcing the availability of preliminary work plans (PWPs) for the following chemicals: Aureobasidium pullulans and cyflumetofen. EPA mistakenly included cyflumetofen in the list of chemicals with available PWPs. This document corrects that error by deleting cyflumetofen from the list. (October 30)
• EPA Releases Section 18 Emergency Exemption Program Information and Training Resource for State Lead Agencies and Extension Agents
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new webpage for its Section 18 Emergency Exemption Program Information and Training Resource. The resource, initially created in 2012, has been updated to a new format and is intended to help State Lead Agricultural Agencies and professional extension agents navigate the Section 18 process. The resource describes the purpose of the Emergency Exemption program, the information needed to support a request, and EPA’s evaluation and decision processes. (October 31)

September 27, 2023

EPA Hosting Webinar on Understanding Bulletins Live! Two
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding a public webinar on Thursday November 9, 2023, to provide an overview of the Bulletins Live! Two system. The webinar will include information on the development of Bulletins and accessing Bulletins using the Bulletins Live! Two system.

September 26, 2023

Feedback Requested on Structure and Scope for Proposed Framework to Strengthen Assessment of Antimicrobial-resistance Risks Associated with Pesticide Use
Through a U.S. government interagency process, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the oversight of the White House Executive Office of the President, have published a concept note. The concept note is the first step in creating a framework to improve how EPA assesses the potential risks to human and animal health from pesticide uses that could result in antimicrobial resistance that compromises the effectiveness of medically important antibacterial and antifungal drugs. The concept note solicits stakeholder input on the proposed structure for the framework and on potential solutions, research, or mitigation approaches to reduce the spread of resistance. Feedback will then be incorporated, as appropriate, into the draft framework and the final framework, which will be issued at a later date. Comments can be provided for the next 45 days by searching docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0445 at www.regulations.gov.

September 21, 2023

EPA Releases Draft Guidance for Pesticide Submissions for New Outdoor Uses that Require Endangered Species Act (ESA) Reviews
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on draft guidance to improve the efficiency of EPA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) analyses for of existing conventional and biopesticide pesticide active ingredients. This guidance, when finalized, fulfills requirements outlined in the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5) and furthers goals outlined in EPA’s 2022 ESA Workplan to protect listed species from exposure to pesticides.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7.5 Billion in Available Financing for Water Infrastructure Projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $7.5 billion in available Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding. This innovative low-interest loan program helps communities invest in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while saving millions of dollars and creating good-paying local jobs. To date, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced $19 billion to help finance 109 projects across the country. These projects are creating over 60,000 jobs. Today’s announcement furthers the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring all people and all communities have access to clean and safe water.

September 19, 2023

Submit Your Poster for the Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm Conference
EPA Region 7, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa are co-hosting a regionally focused conference on anaerobic digestion (AD) in agriculture on Nov. 6-8, 2023, at the Scheman Building at the Iowa State Center in Ames, Iowa.

September 14, 2023

EPA Resolves Longstanding Litigation to Protect Endangered Species
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resolved longstanding litigation covering over 1,000 pesticide products, allowing EPA to fulfill its obligations to protect endangered species while conducting reviews and approvals of pesticides in a safe and protective manner.

September 11, 2023

Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm Conference Registration Now Open
U.S. EPA Region 7, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa announced that registration is now open for the upcoming conference titled Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm – Optimizing Environmental and Economic Outcomes for Rural Communities and Beyond. EPA and the universities will host the conference Nov. 6-8, 2023, at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. A full conference agenda and registration information are available on EPA’s conference webpage.

September 7, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Launches New $19 Million Grant Program to Improve Climate Resilience of Nation’s Drinking Water Infrastructure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $19 million in new grant funding that will work to improve the climate resilience of the nation’s water infrastructure. EPA’s Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program will support drinking water systems in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities that are working to prepare for and reduce vulnerability to impacts from climate change ranging from extreme flooding to extreme drought.

September 6, 2023

EPA’s Proposed Herbicide Strategy – Comment Period Extended
EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs has granted a 30-day extension to the comment period for the draft Herbicide Strategy. The new deadline is October 22, 2023. See the attached document for more information. Direct link:  EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0365-0030_content.pdf. Docket: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0365/document

September 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• DCPA (Dacthal) Technical Herbicide Product Suspended by EPA
  Effective August 22, 2023, the EPA suspended the technical-grade product containing the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), marketed under the trade name Dacthal, for failure of the registrant to submit required data to support its continued registration. Technical-grade products are high-concentration forms of pesticides that are formulated into end-use pesticide products. DCPA is an herbicide applied to control grasses and certain broadleaf weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Agricultural use sites include cole crops (e.g., broccoli, kale, cabbage), cucurbits, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Non-agricultural use sites include non-residential turf and ornamentals. It is unlawful for AMVAC to distribute, sell, or use its technical-grade DCPA pesticide product until EPA lifts the suspension. This restriction applies to use of the DCPA technical product to formulate end-use products. Stocks of DCPA end-use pesticide products that were already formulated prior to August 22, 2023, may continue to be distributed, sold, and used according to the label. EPA will lift the suspension after EPA confirms AMVAC has submitted the required data as specified in the settlement agreement. Supporting documents are available in the DCPA registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0374 at www.regulations.gov. Information on suspensions of pesticide products is available on EPA’s website. (September 1)
• Spinetoram; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of spinetoram in or on Spice group 26, and Stalk and stem vegetable subgroup 22A. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (September 5)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (July 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (September 11)
• EPA Announces Approval of Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas State Certification of Pesticide Applicator Plans
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is finalizing stronger standards for individuals who use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) in the states of Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. The current state plans have been revised to meet or exceed the improved safety requirements in the 2017 Certification of Pesticide Applicators Final Rule (CPA). (September 12)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (July 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (September 12)
• Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides (FY23Q4)
  EPA is proposing to implement several tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). During registration review, EPA reviews all aspects of a pesticide case, including existing tolerances, to ensure that the pesticide continues to meet the standard for registration under FIFRA. The tolerance actions and pesticide active ingredients addressed in this rulemaking are identified in Unit I.B. and discussed in detail in Unit III. of this document. (September 12)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (July 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (September 12)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (August 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (September 19)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decision for Tetrachlorvinphos; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim registration review decision for tetrachlorvinphos (hereafter referred to as TCVP) and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decision and revised draft human health risk assessment for TCVP. (September 19)
• Flonicamid; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of flonicamid in or on multiple crops listed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (September 20)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (August 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (September 20)
• Pesticides; Request for Stakeholder Input on the Proposed Design of a New Grant Program Regarding the Health Care Provider (HCP) Training Program; Notice of Availability and Opportunity for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of a Request for Information (RFI) that seeks public comment on a proposed design for the new grant program related to the Health Care Provider (HCP) Training Program, a cooperative agreement to help medical professionals better prevent, recognize, treat, and manage pesticide-related illness. The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (referred to as PRIA 5) included set-asides of up to $2.5 million for fiscal years 2023–2027 to fund the HCP Training Program. PRIA 5 also requires EPA to seek input from persons who conduct farmworker education and training, or technical assistance and training of healthcare providers, to inform the design of the grant program. EPA has previously solicited input on the HCP Training Program design through its Federal advisory committees, which include representatives of these stakeholders. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit additional stakeholder feedback from a broad array of individuals and organizations with knowledge and expertise related to the goals of the HCP Training Program. Additional public input, including environmental justice perspectives, will help the Agency refine the HCP Training Program and design a grant program to more effectively support populations that have historically been at high risk from pesticide-related illness. (September 25)
• Pesticides; Concept for a Framework To Assess the Risk to the Effectiveness of Human and Animal Drugs Posed by Certain Antibacterial or Antifungal Pesticides; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of
  and soliciting public comment on the concept for developing a framework to improve assessments of potential risks to human and animal health where the use of certain pesticides could potentially result in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that compromises the effectiveness of medically important antibacterial and antifungal drugs. EPA is also seeking feedback on research gaps and other information to help inform the risk assessment and mitigation processes. The concept document was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and offices within the White House Executive Office of the President. A pesticide must be registered with the EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) before it can be legally sold or distributed in the United States. During the registration process, EPA considers whether the pesticide will cause unreasonable adverse effects on people or the environment. Because resistance is considered an adverse effect under FIFRA, the U.S. government is working to develop a structured and coordinated approach to assess and manage these risks. EPA is seeking public comment on a concept document for a proposed framework and on potential solutions, research, or mitigation approaches to reduce the spread of AMR. The agencies will consider feedback in developing a proposed framework that will also be shared for public review and comment. (September 26)
• Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Pesticide Establishment Application, Notification of Registration, and Pesticide Production Reports for Pesticide-Producing and Device-Producing Establishments (Renewal)
  The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Pesticide Establishment Application, Notification of Registration, and Pesticide Production Reports for Pesticide Producing and Device-Producing Establishments (EPA ICR Number 0160.13, OMB Control Number 2070– 0078) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2023. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on February 14, 2023 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. (September 27)
• EPA and Justice Department File Complaint Alleging Environmental Violations by eBay
  In federal court in Brooklyn, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of EPA, filed a complaint against eBay Inc. (“eBay”) for unlawfully selling, offering for sale, causing the sale of, and distributing hundreds of thousands of products in violation of the Clean Air Act (“CAA”); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”); and the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”). (September 27)
• EPA Approves New Labels for Cyantraniliprole to Better Protect Endangered Species
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved new labels for the insecticide cyantraniliprole that include new mitigations to protect federally threatened or endangered (listed) species. This action reflects EPA’s efforts to meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by identifying potential effects to listed species, implementing necessary mitigations, and initiating the ESA consultation process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (referred to as “the Services”). (September 28)
• EPA Announces Approval of Arkansas State Certification of Pesticide Applicator Plan
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is finalizing stronger standards for individuals who use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) in the state of Arkansas. The current state plan has been revised to meet or exceed the improved safety requirements in the 2017 Certification of Pesticide Applicators Final Rule (CPA). (September 28)
• Metamitron; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment
  EPA has received specific exemption requests from the Colorado and Nebraska Departments of Agriculture to use the pesticide metamitron (CAS No. 41394–05–2) to treat up to 69,596 acres of sugar beets to control the invasive weed, Palmer amaranth. The applicants propose the use of a new chemical which has not been registered by EPA. EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemptions, in accordance with the regulation at 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 166.24(a)(1). (September 28)
• EPA Responds to Petition for Formulation and Mixture Testing
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a response to a 2017 citizen petition filed by the Center for Food Safety (CFS). The petitioner requested that the Agency amend Title 40 part 158 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 158) to require additional toxicity testing for pesticide products and tank mixtures (when a user combines the pesticide product with other ingredients prior to application). The petition asserted that EPA does not adequately assess the environmental impact from use of pesticide products or tank mixes as most of EPA’s data requirements pertain to the pesticide’s active ingredient. EPA explains in its response to the petition that the Agency appropriately assesses, as part of its review, the impacts to human health and the environment, including potential impacts from pesticide products and tank mixes, and why the additional testing that the petition sought would not in general provide a better picture of the risks of a pesticide product. As a result, EPA is denying the request to amend the regulatory testing requirements. (September 29)

August 3, 2023

EPA Seeks Public Comments to Ensure Information on Bilingual (Spanish) Pesticide Labels Reaches the Hands of America’s Farmworkers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments on how to make bilingual pesticide labeling accessible to farmworkers. As part of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022, safety and health portions of pesticide product labels are required to be translated into Spanish. EPA wants input from stakeholders including labor groups, agricultural retailers, individual farmers and farmworkers and more on how to successfully set up an implementation plan that will ensure pesticide label information reaches America’s farmworkers to help prevent pesticide exposure and assist in addressing long-standing environmental justice issues.

August 9, 2023

Upcoming Environmental Modeling Public Meeting
On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an Environmental Modeling Public Meeting (EMPM) to discuss current issues related to modeling pesticide fate, transport, and exposure for pesticide ecological risk assessments in a regulatory context. This public forum for pesticide registrants, other stakeholders, and EPA will allow for participation in-person, and via phone and webcast. The 2023 EMPM will provide a forum for presentations and discussions on surface water and groundwater modeling and endangered species assessment modeling. EPA will present information on updated Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC) surface water and groundwater scenarios, including the recent development of spatially diverse groundwater scenarios. In addition, EPA will provide updates on modeling approaches to support endangered species assessments and evaluation of mitigation measures including EPA’s Plant Assessment Tool (PAT) and Vegetative Filter Strip Modeling System (VFSMod).

August 10, 2023

EPA Amended Request for Applications for Cooperative Agreement for the Pesticide Inspector Residential Training (PIRT) Program
EPA has amended the request for applications to implement the Pesticide Inspector Residential Training (PIRT) Program for FY 2024 through FY 2028. The amendment includes updates to the list of eligible entities and an updated closing date of September 1, 2023. Eligible applicants include states, public nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), other public institutions/organizations, federally recognized lndian Tribal governments, U.S. territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Native American organizations (includes lndian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations).

August 23, 2023

EPA Announces the Implementation of Mitigation Measures for Insecticide Malathion to Protect Endangered Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to protect endangered and threatened species by implementing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) nationwide final biological opinion (BiOp) for the insecticide malathion. The malathion BiOp is the first nationwide BiOp issued by FWS to cover all registered uses of a pesticide across the United States and its territories. Its implementation represents the final stage in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation for malathion and is the culmination of a collaborative process over more than seven years involving EPA, FWS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pesticide registrants and other stakeholders. EPA is implementing this BiOp by issuing Endangered Species Protection Bulletins, available on the Bulletins Live! Two website, and approving malathion label amendments to incorporate measures to protect listed species.

August 30, 2023

EPA Publishes Updated Risk Assessments for Chemical Acephate
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a revised human health draft risk assessment (HH DRA) and refined drinking water assessment (DWA) for acephate, an organophosphate pesticide (OP) that is registered for both agricultural and non-agricultural uses. The acephate HH DRA includes an assessment of methamidophos, which is also an OP compound that is formed when acephate is metabolized. The revised HH DRA showed significant dietary risks of concern from drinking water for registered uses of acephate, including non-agricultural uses. EPA also identified dietary risks of concern when only the two highest agricultural usage sites (measured by pounds sold), cotton and soybean, are considered.

August 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Imazapic; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of imazapic in or on rice, bran and rice, grain. BASF requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 8)
• Flg22-Bt Peptide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Flg22-Bt Peptide in or on all food commodities when used as a plant regulator and inducer of local and systemic resistance in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Elemental Enzymes Ag & Turf, LLC submitted a petition, pursuant to section 408(d) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for the biochemical pesticide Flg22-Bt Peptide. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Flg22-Bt Peptide under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (August 9)
• (2S)-5-Oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic Acid (L–PCA); Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of (2S)-5- Oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic Acid (L– PCA) in or on all food commodities when used as a plant growth regulator in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Exponent, on behalf of Verdesian Life Sciences U.S., LLC, submitted a petition, pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), asking the EPA to amend its regulations to establish an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the pesticide, when used as a plant growth regulator on agricultural crops, turf and ornamental plants. Instead, EPA is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues L–PCA in or on all food commodities when applied in buffered end-use products and used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of L–PCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (August 10)
• Fluxapyroxad; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluxapyroxad in or on avocado; stevia, dried leaves; and stevia, fresh leaves and revises the tolerance for residues of fluxapyroxad in or on coffee, green bean. Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) and BASF Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 16)
• Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides; Aluminum tris (Oethylphosphonate), Carbon disulfide, et al.; Technical Correction
  EPA issued a final rule in the Federal Register of July 19, 2023, finalizing several tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). That document inadvertently instructed the Federal Register to designate a tolerance for ginseng as time-limited, with an expiration date, but used an incorrect footnote number and neglected to include the expiration date. Elsewhere, an instruction to redesignate a paragraph was not clearly stated. This technical correction to the final rule will address these errors. (August 21)
• Pyraclostrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of pyraclostrobin in or on stevia, dried leaves and stevia, fresh leaves and revises the tolerance for residues of pyraclostrobin in or on coffee, green bean. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 21)
• Phenol; Revoking Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance
  EPA is proposing to revoke the tolerance exemption for residues of the antimicrobial pesticide ingredient phenol when used as an inert ingredient (solvent/cosolvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops. This rulemaking is proposed on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to implement a tolerance action the Agency determined was appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for phenol. EPA is proposing to revoke this tolerance exemption because it corresponds to a use no longer current or registered under FIFRA in the United States. (August 22)
• Pyraclonil; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of pyraclonil in or on rice, grain. Nichino America, Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 24)
• Trifluralin; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of trifluralin in or on tea, dried and tea, instant. Gowan Company requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 24)
• Aspergillus flavus strain TC16F, TC35C, TC38B, and TC46G; Amendment to Temporary Exemptions From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation amends the existing temporary tolerance exemptions for residues of Aspergillus flavus strains TC16F, TC35C, TC38B, and TC46G by establishing permanent tolerance exemptions for use in or on all food and feed commodities of field corn, popcorn, and sweet corn. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting to amend the existing temporary tolerance exemptions for Aspergillus flavus strains TC16F, TC35C, TC38B, and TC46G. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Aspergillus flavus strains TC16F, TC35C, TC38B, and TC46G under FFDCA when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. (August 24)
• Imazapyr; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of imazapyr in or on rice, bran and rice, grain. BASF Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 24)
• Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of methoxyfenozide in or on coffee bean, sugar cane, and sugar cane molasses. There are no U.S. registrations associated with these tolerances. Corteva Agrisciences, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 28)
• Spinosad; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of spinosad in or on Spice group 26, and Stalk and stem vegetable subgroup 22A. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 24)
• EPA Registers New Active Ingredient Pyraclonil
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered two pesticide products containing the new active ingredient pyraclonil to control weeds in water-seeded rice in California. EPA’s registration decision includes measures to protect non-target organisms, including federally threatened and endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitats. (August 24)
• Pesticides; Antimicrobial Product Efficacy Claims on Soft Surface Textiles in Non-Residential Settings; Guidance, Methods, and Response to Comments; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of revised guidance and methods for adding efficacy claims to antimicrobial products for use on soft surface textiles in non-residential settings. Revisions to the guidance document and associated methods were made based on the Agency’s consideration of public comments received. Specifically, EPA is announcing the availability of a guidance document that describes efficacy testing for antimicrobial products to support claims for use on soft surface textiles in clinical and institutional (non-residential) settings and how to prepare an application for registration, a quantitative method for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial products on soft surface textiles against viruses, and a quantitative method for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial products on soft surface textiles against bacteria. The guidance does not address residential use sites, clothing, frequently laundered items, untreated wood, concrete and other hard porous materials, carpet or rugs, or the backing material/stuffing under the soft surface textile (e.g., beyond what can be visibly observed). (August 29)
• Chlorpyrifos; Notice Receipt of Request To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by Loveland Products, Inc. (hereafter referred to as Loveland) to voluntarily cancel registrations of certain products containing the pesticide chlorpyrifos. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or the registrant withdraws their request. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of the products listed in this notice after the registrations have been cancelled would need to be consistent with the terms as described in the final cancellation order. (August 29)
• Great Lakes Advisory Board Notice for Virtual Meeting
  Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides notice of a public meeting for the Great Lakes Advisory Board (GLAB). Pre-registration is required. (August 30)
• Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
  EPA has granted or denied emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions or denials were granted during the period April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023, to control unforeseen pest outbreaks. (August 31)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw its requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (August 31)
• EPA Updates Aquatic Life Benchmarks for Registered Conventional Pesticides and Antimicrobial Chemicals
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and the U.S. Geological Survey, has released an updated version of the Aquatic Life Benchmarks. These benchmarks are estimates of the concentrations below which pesticides (including conventional pesticides and antimicrobial chemicals) are not expected to present a risk of concern for freshwater organisms. (August 31)

July 30, 2023

EPA Announces Accomplishments of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act for the First-Half of 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the Agency’s accomplishments of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA 5) during the first-half of 2023 as well as upcoming activities projected for completion by December 2023.

July 27, 2023

EPA Posts Pesticide Incident Data Publicly
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a major step to increase transparency by posting 10 years of pesticide incident data on its website. Sharing this information advances EPA’s commitment to environmental justice and aligns with EPA’s Equity Action Plan by expanding the availability of data and capacity so the public and community organizations can better understand pesticide exposures, including exposures to vulnerable populations.

July 24, 2023

EPA Releases Draft Strategy to Better Protect Endangered Species from Herbicide Use
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the draft Herbicide Strategy for public comment, a major milestone in the Agency’s work to protect federally endangered and threatened (listed) species from conventional agricultural herbicides. The Strategy describes proposed early mitigations for more than 900 listed species and designated critical habitats to reduce potential impacts from the agricultural use of these herbicides while helping to ensure the continued availability of these important pesticide tools.

July 12, 2023

EPA Seeks Nominations for the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee
EPA is accepting nominations for membership on the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC). Established in 1995, the PPDC is a diverse group of stakeholders chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide feedback to EPA on various pesticide regulatory, policy, and program implementation issues.

July 6, 2023

EPA Solicits Applications for Cooperative Agreement for the Pesticide Inspector Residential Training (PIRT) Program
EPA is soliciting applications to implement the Pesticide Residential Inspector Training (PIRT) Program for FY 2024 through FY 2028. Eligible applicants include States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa, federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native Villages, inter-tribal consortia and State and tribal institutions. Under this program EPA will provide financial assistance on an annual basis to carry out a pesticide inspector residential training program. This pesticide-related training is intended for inspectors, scientists, supervisors, and managers of pesticide regulatory programs from state/tribes and U.S. territories working under FIFRA Cooperative Agreements with EPA throughout the United States.

July 5, 2023

EPA Region 7 Extends Call for Abstracts Deadline for Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm Conference
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa have extended the deadline to submit abstracts for their upcoming Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm Conference to July 21, 2023.

July 3, 2023

EPA Posts for Public Comment Examination of Microcosm/Mesocosm Studies for Evaluating the Effects of Atrazine on Aquatic Plant Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on the white paper Examination of Microcosm/Mesocosm Studies for Evaluating the Effects of Atrazine on Aquatic Plant Communities. These studies are part of EPA’s Ecological Risk Assessment of the herbicide atrazine and are specifically used in assessing the effects to aquatic plant communities. The white paper presents EPA’s reevaluation of 11 atrazine microcosm and mesocosm (‘cosm’) studies identified by the 2012 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) as warranting further review. The reevaluation is being submitted for peer review to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) which provides EPA with independent scientific advice and recommendations on health and safety issues related to pesticides.

July 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (May 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (July 5)
• EPA Registers New Mosquito Repellent Product
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is registering a new mosquito repellent product. The product, known as AM 601 Pod, is a wax pod containing dissolved transfluthrin, an insecticide active ingredient. This product is an additional tool to help protect human health from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. (July 6)
• Benzpyrimoxan; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of benzpyrimoxan in or on rice, husked; rice, polished rice; and rice, bran. Nichino America, Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 10)
• Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Request for Nominations to the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee
  The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Pesticide Programs is inviting nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC). The PPDC is chartered to provide policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA on a wide variety of pesticide regulatory developments and reform initiatives, evolving public policy, and program implementation issues associated with evaluating and reducing risks from pesticide use. To maintain the representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to represent: environmental/public interest and animal rights groups; farm worker organizations; pesticide industry and trade associations; pesticide user, grower, and commodity groups; federal/ state/local and tribal governments; academia; and public health organizations. Vacancies are expected to be filled by December 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. (July 11)
• EPA Fines Wichita-Based La Palm Spa Products for Violating Federal Pesticide Law
  Millenia Products LLC, doing business as La Palm Spa Products, will pay a $118,483 civil penalty for allegedly failing to properly label a pesticide product called “Hospital Disinfectant” and failing to register the product with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (July 11)
• Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides; Aluminum tris (Oethylphosphonate), Carbon disulfide, et al.
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing several tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The tolerance actions and pesticide active ingredients addressed in this final rule are identified in Unit I.B. and discussed in detail in Unit III. of this document. (July 19)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses June 2023
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (July 24)
• N-(n-Octyl)-2-pyrrolidone in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of N-(n-octyl)-2- pyrrolidone (CAS Reg. No. 2687–94–7) when used as an inert ingredient (solvent) in pesticide formulations containing prothioconazole as an active ingredient at a maximum concentration of 15% by weight. International Specialty Products submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the exemption. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of N-(n-octyl)-2-pyrrolidone, when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption. (July 25)
• Indaziflam; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of indaziflam in or on multiple commodities discussed later in this document. Bayer CropScience has requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 25)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s preliminary or continuing work plans for the following chemicals: Complex Polymeric Polyhydroxy Acid (CPPA); Killed, nonviable Streptomyces acidiscabies strain RL–110T cells and spent fermentation media; penflufen; propionic acid; straight chain lepidopteran pheromones; and Streptomyces strain K61. With this document, the EPA is opening the public comment period for registration review for these chemicals. (July 25)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim and proposed final registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decisions for the following pesticides: acetaminophen; aluminum phosphide, magnesium phosphide, and phosphine; and polybutene resins. (July 25)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (June 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (July 26)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw its requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (July 26)
• Sodium Salt of Acifluorfen; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of sodium salt of acifluorfen in or on berry, low growing, subgroup 13–07G; soybean, vegetable, edible podded; and soybean, vegetable, succulent shelled. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 27)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests to Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by the registrants to voluntarily cancel their registrations of certain pesticide products and to amend their pesticide product registrations to terminate one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw their requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled or uses terminated only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (July 28)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability 
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim or final registration review decisions for the following chemicals: dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, plant extract 620, polymeric betaine, sodium fluoroacetate, and undecylenic acid. In addition, this notice announces the closure of the registration review case for chlorpyrifos-methyl, because the last U.S. registrations for this pesticide have been canceled. (July 28)
• Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Consolidated Pesticide Registration Submission Portal (New)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Consolidated Pesticide Registration Submission Portal, (EPA ICR Number 2624.01 and OMB Control Number 2070–NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a request for approval of a new collection. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on August 13, 2020 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. (July 30)
• EPA Awards $1.3M in Research Funding to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to Develop Nanosensors to Detect Pesticides and Mitigate Their Harmful Impacts
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $1.3 million in funding to a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in Madison, Wisconsin, to develop nanosensor technology that can detect, monitor, and degrade commonly used pesticides found in water that can harm human health. (July 31)

June 23, 2023

EPA Requests Applications for $10 Million National Pesticide Information Center Agreement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications from eligible organizations to support a National Pesticide Information Center, providing the public with objective, science-based information on pesticide-related subjects through a website, toll-free telephone service, and outreach.

June 21, 2023

EPA Releases Final Biological Evaluation for Effects of Inpyrfluxam on Endangered Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its final biological evaluation (BE) and its response to comments received on the draft BE for the potential effects of inpyrfluxam on federally listed endangered and threatened species and designated critical habitats. Inpyrfluxam is a fungicide used to protect a variety of crops against fungal pests, such as Rhizoctonia fungi, that cause seed decay, seedling damping‐off, and root rot. This final BE is part of EPA’s efforts to meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which are discussed in EPA’s workplan Balancing Wildlife Protection and Responsible Pesticide Use.

June 20, 2023

Implementation of PRIA 5 Bilingual Labeling Requirements To Make Bilingual Pesticide Labeling Accessible to Farmworkers; Request for Comments
The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5) requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin to seek stakeholder input on ways to make bilingual pesticide labeling accessible to farmworkers by June 30, 2023, and to implement a plan to ensure that farmworkers have access to the bilingual pesticide labeling by December 2025. EPA hosted the Bilingual Pesticide Labeling National Webinar on June 15, 2023 and is opening a docket to receive written public comments. The purpose of the public comment period is to obtain feedback from stakeholders on ways to make bilingual pesticide labeling accessible to farmworkers to aid in the development of a plan to ensure that farmworkers have access to the bilingual pesticide labeling. Public input that includes environmental justice perspectives with solutions will be key in helping the Agency develop a strong starting point for addressing historical disadvantages for farmworkers.

June 14, 2023

EPA Hosts Webinars on Final Rule Related to Use of Plant-Incorporated Protectants
In May 2023, EPA released a final rule exempting those PIPs from registration requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and from the food or feed residue tolerance requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This rule ensures that public health and the environment are protected while reducing costs for the regulated community, consistent with Executive Order 14081 on advancing biotechnology. The rule may also result in increased research and development activities, commercialization of new pest control options for farmers (particularly in minor crops such as grapes and cucumbers), and reduced use of conventional pesticides.

June 2, 2023

EPA, Oklahoma Officials Celebrate Agriculture Community’s Contributions to Public Health and Environmental Protection
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Earthea Nance joined officials from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) and Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) to tour several agricultural sites that contribute to the well-being of the state’s residents and environment. The tour included stops at urban farms that supply fresh food to environmental justice neighborhoods and a visit with Black and underserved farmers working to improve water quality. The group also visited the Greenwood Memorial in Tulsa.

June 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Sedaxane; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of sedaxane in or on Onion, bulb, subgroup 3–07A and Vegetable, cucurbit, group 9. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 9)
• Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel registrations of certain products containing the pesticide chlorpyrifos and to amend their chlorpyrifos registrations to terminate one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw their requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of the products listed in this notice after the registrations have been cancelled or the uses terminated would need to be consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (June 9)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients April 2023
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (June 12)
• Proposed Consent Decree, Unreasonable Delay Claim Regarding Petition Seeking Revised Testing Requirements of Pesticides Prior to Registration
  In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator’s March 18, 2022, Memorandum entitled Consent Decrees and Settlement Agreements to Resolve Environmental Claims Against the Agency, notice is hereby given of a proposed consent decree that resolves Center for Food Safety, et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a case in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (4:22–cv–6001–JST) that alleges EPA unreasonably delayed responding to a petition for rulemaking, submitted to EPA on or around July 10, 2017, relating to the revision of testing requirements of pesticides prior to registration. (June 14)
• Mefenoxam; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of mefenoxam in or on multiple commodities identified and discussed in this document. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 15)
• Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of trifloxystrobin in or on multiple crops that are discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 20)
• Glufosinate; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of glufosinate in or on tropical and subtropical, medium to large fruit, edible peel, subgroup 23B; tropical and subtropical, medium to large fruit, smooth, inedible peel, subgroup 24B; and tropical and subtropical, small fruit, inedible peel, subgroup 24A. The regulation also establishes tolerances with regional registrations in or on grass, forage and grass, hay. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 20)
• Sulfoxaflor; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of sulfoxaflor in or on coffee, green bean. Corteva Agriscience requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 20)
• Notice of Objections to Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Intent To Cancel Pesticide Registrations; Notice of Public Hearing
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) has received objections and hearing requests in response to its issuance of a Notice of Intent to Cancel registrations of three pesticide products containing the insecticide chlorpyrifos due to the Agency’s revocation of all tolerances for chlorpyrifos. The EPA will hold a public hearing to receive evidence related to the proposed cancellation of the chlorpyrifos product registrations. (June 21)
• EPA Marks National Pollinator Week by Proposing Protections for 27 of the Most Vulnerable Endangered Species, Including Some Pollinators, from Pesticides
  During National Pollinator Week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its work to protect pollinators by proposing geographically-specific protections that would limit the use of pesticides in the habitat of 27 endangered and threatened (listed) species, including some pollinators. The Agency is releasing for public comment a draft white paper that describes these proposed mitigation measures as part of its Vulnerable Species Pilot announced last year. EPA is also updating the interactive endangered species StoryMaps released last month to include information on all 27 listed species and the proposed mitigation measures for each. (June 22)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients May 2023
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (June 26)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses May 2023
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (June 26)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Sulfuryl Fluoride Revised Mitigation and Response to Comments on the Draft Interim Re-Entry Mitigation Measures Memorandum; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s Sulfuryl Fluoride Revised Mitigation and Response to Comments on the Draft Interim Re-Entry Mitigation Measures Memorandum, which is being issued to address human health concerns and in response to EPA’s Office of Inspector General 2016 (OIG) Report, Additional Measures Can Be Taken to Prevent Deaths and Serious Injuries from Residential Fumigations (No. 17–P–0053). Sulfuryl fluoride is currently in registration review which is EPA’s periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its intended function without causing unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide’s registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. EPA may pursue mitigation at any time during the registration review process if it finds that a pesticide poses unreasonable adverse effects to human health or the environment. EPA believes that the mitigation measures outlined in the Sulfuryl Fluoride Revised Mitigation and Response to Comments on the Draft Interim Re-Entry Mitigation Measures Memorandum are necessary to address identified human health risk concerns from the use of sulfuryl fluoride as a structural fumigant in residential use sites. (June 29)
• EPA to Close Out Specific Antimicrobial Notification Actions to Reduce Backlog and Improve Efficiencies
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a new effort to close out notifications of minor pesticide label or product formulation changes in an effort to reduce the backlog, which will allow EPA to focus its limited resources on addressing higher priority actions. Specifically, EPA is closing out approximately 2,000 antimicrobial actions submitted to the Agency prior to October 1, 2022, which do not impact the product’s ability to be used safely according to the approved label instructions and have no impact on human health or the environment. The close out only applies to notification actions, which do not fall under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA). (June 29)
• EPA Announces Early Mitigation for Sulfuryl Fluoride Used to Fumigate Homes
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the Agency’s final early mitigation decision for the structural fumigant sulfuryl fluoride. The “Sulfuryl Fluoride Revised Mitigation and Response to Comments on the Draft Interim Re-entry Mitigation Measures Memorandum” addresses the EPA Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) report findings that EPA can better prevent deaths and serious injuries caused during residential fumigations by amending sulfuryl fluoride labels and monitoring compliance. (June 30)

May 31, 2023

EPA Releases Risk Assessment Showing Significant Risks to Human Health from the Herbicide DCPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking an important step to determine whether the herbicide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) can continue to be used safely in light of significant health risks identified. The Agency is releasing and requesting public comment on an Occupational and Residential Exposure (ORE) assessment on pesticide products containing DCPA, showing risks to workers and others exposed to the pesticide, with the most serious of risks to the fetuses of pregnant individuals.

May 25, 2023

STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION IN SACKETT v. EPA
In response to the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement: “As a public health agency, EPA is committed to ensuring that all people, regardless of race, the money in their pocket, or community they live in, have access to clean, safe water. We will never waver from that responsibility. I am disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision that erodes longstanding clean water protections. The Biden-Harris Administration has worked to establish a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’ that safeguards our nation’s waters, strengthens economic opportunity, and protects people’s health while providing the clarity and certainty that farmers, ranchers, and landowners deserve. These goals will continue to guide the agency forward as we carefully review the Supreme Court decision and consider next steps.”

May 25, 2023

EPA Extends Comment Periods for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Proposals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 15-day extension of the comment period for the ethylene oxide (EtO) proposed interim decision and draft risk assessment addendum under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as well as the proposed air toxics rule for EtO commercial sterilizers. These two proposals, issued on April 11, 2023, will provide a comprehensive approach to addressing EtO pollution concerns that will increase safety in communities and for workers. Several State, local and industry groups requested more time to review the proposals. Consequently, EPA is extending the comment deadline from June 12, 2023, to June 27, 2023.

May 25, 2023

EPA Finalizes Rule to Accelerate Use of Plant-Incorporated Biotechnologies to Protect Against Pests
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule exempting a class of plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) created using genetic engineering from registration requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and from the food or feed residue tolerance requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This rule ensures that public health and the environment are protected while reducing costs for the regulated community, consistent with Executive Order 14081 on advancing biotechnology. The rule may also result in increased research and development activities, commercialization of new pest control options for farmers (particularly in minor crops such as grapes and cucumbers), and reduced use of conventional pesticides.

May 24, 2023

EPA Posts Draft Endangered Species Act Biological Opinion for Enlist Herbicide Products for Public Comment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is posting and seeking public comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) draft biological opinion (BiOp) for Enlist products. Enlist One and Enlist Duo are two herbicides used to control weeds in genetically-modified corn, cotton, and soybean crops.

May 24, 2023

EPA Seeking Public Comment on Candidates to be ad hoc Reviewers for Analysis of Atrazine Ecological Risks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comments on candidates who are being considered as ad hoc reviewers to assist the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) with the review of the Agency’s analysis and assessment of ecological risk from atrazine use. This 15-day comment period follows a March 2023 call for nominations.

May 17, 2023

EPA Opens Public Comment on Draft Guidance for Pesticide Application Submissions that Require Endangered Species Act Reviews
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on draft guidance to improve the efficiency of EPA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) analyses for new pesticide active ingredient applications and active ingredients undergoing registration review. This guidance, when finalized, fulfills requirements outlined in the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5) and furthers goals outlined in EPA’s 2022 ESA Workplan to protect listed species from exposure to pesticides.

May 15, 2023

EPA Region 7, Iowa State University, and University of Iowa Announce Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm Conference
EPA Region 7, Iowa State University (ISU), and the University of Iowa (UI) announced an upcoming conference titled "Anaerobic Digestion on the Farm: Optimizing environmental and economic outcomes for rural communities and beyond.”

May 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Starch, 1-Octenylbutanedioate, Aluminum Salt; Dextrin, Hydrogen 1- Octenylbutanedioate; and Amylopectin, 2-Hydroxypropyl Ether, Acid-; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of starch, 1- octenylbutanedioate, aluminum salt; dextrin, hydrogen 1- octenylbutanedioate; and amylopectin, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, acid- when used as inert ingredients (for seed treatment only) in pesticide formulations applied pre-harvest. Ingredion Incorporated submitted petitions to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish maximum permissible levels for residues of starch, 1- octenylbutanedioate, aluminum salt; dextrin, hydrogen 1- octenylbutanedioate; and amylopectin, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, acid- when used in accordance with the terms of the exemptions. (May 1)
• Poly (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α,α′-[[[4-[2- (4-methyl-2-benzothiazolyl)diazenyl] phenyl]imino]di-2,1-ethanediyl]bis[whydroxy- in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of poly (oxy-1,2- ethanediyl), a,a′-[[[4-[2-(4-methyl-2- benzothiazolyl)diazenyl] phenyl]imino]di-2,1-ethanediyl]bis[whydroxy- (CAS Reg. No. 158172–12–4), herein referred to as polymeric red, when used as an inert ingredient (colorant) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and postharvest. Milliken Chemical submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of polymeric red, when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption. (May 1)
• EPA orders Florida Garden Supplies, Inc. in Livonia, Michigan to stop sale of unregistered pesticides
  On April 26, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a stop sale, use, or removal order to Florida Garden Supplies Inc. in Livonia, Michigan. The order will prevent the illegal distribution and sale of unregistered pesticide products by Xtreme Nutrients at Florida Garden Supplies’ retail locations and website. (May 1)
• Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Intent To Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel their registrations of certain products containing the pesticide chlorpyrifos, or to amend their chlorpyrifos registrations to terminate one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement, unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review, or the registrant withdraws their request. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled or the uses terminated only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (May 3)
• Ledprona (CAS# 2433753–68–3) for Use in or on Potato; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Ledprona (CAS# 2433753–68–3) in or on potatoes when used in accordance with the terms of Experimental Use Permit (EUP) No. 94614–EUP–1. GreenLight Bioscience, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) for a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Ledprona on all raw agricultural products and food products. After reviewing the petition and supporting data, the Agency has limited the temporary tolerance exemption to residues of Ledprona on potatoes only. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Ledprona in or on potatoes. This temporary tolerance exemption expires on April 30, 2025. (May 4)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Chlorpyrifos Registrations and Uses
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby announces its final cancellation order for the cancellations and amendments voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit I, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This final cancellation order follows a December 13, 2022, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit I, to voluntarily cancel or amend these product registrations. In the December 13, 2022 notice, EPA indicated that it would issue a final order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency received three comments on the notice regarding registrations containing the ingredient chlorpyrifos, which are summarized in Unit III.B. EPA’s responses to these comments and its determination that these comments do not merit further review of these cancellation and amendment requests are included in Unit III.C. None of the registrants withdrew their request for these voluntary cancellations or amendments. Accordingly, EPA hereby grants the requested cancellations and amendments shown in this cancellation order. Any distribution, sale, or use of existing stocks of these products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order. (May 4)
• EPA Takes Next Step in the Endangered Species Act Review of Three Neonicotinoids
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing new analyses identifying federally endangered or threatened (listed) species that it predicts face the greatest risks from clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, part of a group of insecticides known as neonicotinoids used on a variety of crops, turf, and ornamentals, and for other residential and commercial indoor and outdoor uses. While these types of analyses—which predict which species could be at jeopardy and which critical habitats could face adverse modification from the use of these pesticides—have not historically been part of EPA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) assessments, EPA has recently conducted some of these analyses in order to expedite ESA consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services). The analyses will also help EPA and the Services prioritize mitigation measures for the highest risk species. These analyses were completed as part of EPA’s efforts to meet its obligations under the ESA and furthers the goals outlined in EPA’s April 2022 ESA Workplan to provide practical protections for listed species from pesticides. (May 5)
• O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol (OBPCP); Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance
  EPA is proposing to exempt residues of the antimicrobial pesticide ingredients Ortho-benzyl-parachlorophenol, Potassium 2-benzyl-4- chlorophenate, and Sodium 2-benzyl-4- chlorophenate from the requirement of a tolerance when used on or applied to food contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy processing equipment, and food processing equipment and utensils. This rulemaking is proposed on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), in order to implement the tolerance actions EPA identified during its review of these chemicals as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (May 5)
• Aspergillus Flavus Strain AF36; Amendment to an Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation amends the existing tolerance exemption for residues of Aspergillus flavus strain AF36 by establishing an exemption for use on all food and feed commodities of cotton, corn, pistachio, almond, and fig when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting to amend the existing tolerance exemption for Aspergillus flavus strain AF36. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Aspergillus flavus strain AF36 under FFDCA when used in accordance with the amended tolerance exemption. (May 8)
• Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Pesticides; Exemptions of Certain PlantIncorporated Protectants (PIPs) Derived From Newer Technologies; Draft Final Rule
  This document notifies the public as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) that the EPA Administrator has forwarded to the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) a draft regulatory document entitled ‘‘Pesticides; Exemptions of Certain Plant-Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) Derived from Newer Technologies; Final Rule.’’ The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available by EPA. (May 9)
• Fomesafen; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fomesafen in or on Vegetable, bulb, group 3–07; Vegetable, cucurbit, group 9; Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10; and Vegetable, legume, forage and hay, except soybean, subgroup 7–22A. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 9)
• Cyflufenamid; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of cyflufenamid in or on sugar beet. Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 10)
• Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
  EPA has granted emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted during the period October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, to control unforeseen pest outbreaks. (May 10)
• Spiropidion; Pesticide Tolerances; Technical Correction
  EPA issued a final rule in the Federal Register of July 20, 2022, establishing tolerances for residues of the insecticide spiropidion and its metabolites and degradates in or on multiple commodities requested by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FIFRA). That document inadvertently misstated the nomenclature listed for the residue definition of the spiropidion metabolite SYN547305. This document corrects the noted error in the referenced regulation. (May 17)
• Register for EPA’s Webinar on Bilingual Pesticide Labels
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a public webinar on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm EST to obtain input from the public on ways to make bilingual pesticide labeling accessible to farmworkers as required by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5). (May 18)
• D-Glucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, decyl octyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts; Dglucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, C10–16-alkyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts; and D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, C9–11-branched and linear alkyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts; Exemptions From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Dglucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, decyl octyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts; D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, C10–16-alkyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts; and D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, C9–11-branched and linear alkyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts when used as inert ingredients (surfactants) pre- and post-harvest. Lamberti USA, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, decyl octyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts; D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, C10–16-alkyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts; and D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, maleates, C9–11-branched and linear alkyl glycosides, sulfonated, potassium salts, when used in accordance with the terms of these exemptions. (May 18)
• Erucamide in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of erucamide (CAS Reg. No. 112–84–5) when used as an inert ingredient (lubricant) in pesticide formulations when applied on the raw agricultural commodities honey and honeycomb. Veto-Pharma SAS submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of erucamide, when used in accordance with the terms of this exemption. (May 18)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (April 2023)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (May 18)
• Benzyl Alcohol; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of benzyl alcohol (CAS Reg. No. 100–51–6) when used as an inert ingredient (adjuvant) in pesticide formulations applied to crops and raw agricultural commodities preand post-harvest, limited to no more than 60% by weight in the pesticide formulation. Landis International, Inc., on behalf of CJB Applied Technologies, LLC, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of benzyl alcohol when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption. (May 19)
• Various Fragrance Components in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of various fragrance components listed in Unit II of this document when they are used as inert ingredients in antimicrobial pesticide formulations applied to foodcontact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and foodprocessing equipment and utensils when the end-use concentration does not exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). Verto Solutions, on behalf of The Clorox Company, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the establishment of exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of these various fragrance components, when used in accordance with the terms of the exemptions. (May 19)
• EPA Marks Endangered Species Day by Publishing Maps to Help Pesticide Users Better Understand Risks to Endangered Species
  In recognition of Endangered Species Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is publishing a group of StoryMaps to raise public awareness about protecting endangered species from pesticides. These StoryMaps use an interactive format to describe 11 endangered and threatened (listed) species, their habitats, and why they are at risk from pesticide exposure. (May 19)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (March 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (May 22)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (April 2023)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (May 23)
• EPA Reaches Agreements on Early Mitigation Measures for Three More Organophosphate Pesticides
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing new mitigation measures for three additional organophosphate pesticides: ethoprop, phosmet, and tribufos. The Agency worked with the registrants of these pesticides to develop mitigation measures several years ahead of the scheduled completion of EPA’s registration review work on these chemicals, expediting protection for farmworkers and other people who work with these pesticides. (May 25)
• EPA Completes Scientific Testing of Pesticide Products for PFAS
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking another step in addressing concerns that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in pesticide products by releasing a summary of the laboratory analysis of 10 pesticide products reported to contain PFAS residues. EPA did not find any PFAS in the tested pesticide products, differing from the results of a published study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. EPA is also releasing its newly developed and validated analytical methodology used in the testing process alongside the summary of its findings. EPA is confident in the results of this newly released method, which is specifically targeted to detect the presence of PFAS in pesticide products formulated with surfactants. (May 30)

April 21, 2023

Earth Day Recognized at Truly Living Well Center for Urban Agriculture 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the City of Atlanta observed Earth Day, by participating in a Cross Agency Community Engagement Event at the Truly Living Well Center for Urban Agriculture in Atlanta, Georgia.

April 20, 2023

EPA Celebrates the 2023 Winners for the Presidential Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). Winning educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects and using topics such as climate change, environmental justice, water infrastructure, healthy school environments, environmentally friendly agriculture practices, recycling, and reducing contributions to ocean and marine liter.

April 13, 2023

EPA Publishes 30th Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 30th annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks (GHG Inventory), which presents a national-level overview of annual greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2021. Net U.S. greenhouse gas emissions were 5,586 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2021, a 6% increase in emissions from 2020. The increase is largely due to a rebound in economic activity following the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, emissions have declined overall since 2005 (17%), which reflects the combined impacts of several factors, including energy market trends, technological changes including energy efficiency improvements, and the carbon intensity of energy fuel choices.

April 12, 2023

EPA Awards Nearly $1.5M in Research Grants to Reduce U.S. Household Food Waste
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1,471,426 in research grant funding to two universities to develop, apply, and test innovative and creative community-engaged approaches to reduce household food waste in the United States. “Preventing food waste at home can help fight climate change and save money for U.S. families,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The research funded by these grants will help us identify successful strategies to empower communities to reduce food waste while improving food security.”

April 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Deltamethrin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of deltamethrin in or on the raw agricultural commodities, Vegetable, legume, pulse, bean, dried shelled, except soybean, subgroup 6–22E and Vegetable, legume, pulse, pea, dried shelled, subgroup 6– 22F. Bayer CropScience requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (April 4)
• The EPA and Seal Shield, LLC reach a settlement for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Seal Shield, LLC (Seal Shield), headquartered in the state of Florida, for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). As part of the settlement, Seal Shield will pay $321,000 in civil penalties. (April 6)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s preliminary work plans for the following chemicals: 3-decen-2-one, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4–1T cells and spent fermentation media, homobrassinolide, terpene constituents of the extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides, tolclofos-methyl. This notice also announces the availability of the continuing work plan for hexythiazox. With this document, the EPA is opening the public comment period for registration review for these chemicals. (April 6)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Peroxy Compounds; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of peroxy compounds (revised DRA for biopesticide uses). (April 6)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim and final registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed decisions for the following pesticides: 2- (Thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole (TCMTB), bromine, citric acid, demiditraz, linalool, sodium fluoroacetate. (April 6)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s the closure of the registration review cases for irgarol, oregano oil, and tagetes oils (formerly flower oils case), because the last U.S. registrations for these pesticides have been canceled. (April 7)
• Acetophenone; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of acetophenone when used as an inert ingredient (solvent or co-solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops. ADAMA Makhteshim Ltd. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the establishment of this exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of acetophenone, when used in accordance with the terms of that exemption. (April 10)
• Ethalfluralin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of ethalfluralin in or on multiple crops that are referenced later in this document. The Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) and Gowan Company LLC., requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (April 10)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decision and Draft Risk Assessment Addendum for Ethylene Oxide; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of and solicits public comment on EPA’s proposed interim registration review decision and draft risk assessment addendum for ethylene oxide. (April 13)
• Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Notice of Public Meeting
  Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Pesticide Programs is announcing a virtual public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on May 31 and June 1, 2023, with participation by webcast only. There will be no in-person gathering for this meeting. (April 21)
• Oxirane, 2-Methyl-, Polymer With Oxirane, Ether With 1,2,3-Propanetriol (3:1); Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2- methyl-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 1,2,3-propanetriol (3:1); minimum average number molecular weight 6,000 Daltons (CAS Reg. No. 9082–00–2) when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Delta Analytical Corporation on behalf of Borchers Americas, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 1,2,3- propanetriol (3:1) on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions. (April 24)
• Oxirane, 2-Methyl-, Polymer With Oxirane, Ether With D-Glucitol (6:1); Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2- methyl-, polymer with oxirane, ether with D-glucitol (6:1) when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Delta Analytical Corporation, on behalf of Borchers Americas, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, ether with D-glucitol (6:1) on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions. (April 24)
• α-D-Glucopyranoside, β-DFructofuranosyl, Polymer With Methyloxirane and Oxirane; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of a-Dglucopyranoside, b-D-fructofuranosyl, polymer with methyloxirane and oxirane with a minimum number average molecular weight (in amu) of 9,800 (CAS Reg. No. 26301–10–0) when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Delta Analytical Corporation, on behalf of Borchers Americas, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of a-Dglucopyranoside, b-D-fructofuranosyl, polymer with methyloxirane and oxirane on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with this exemption. (April 24)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities March 2023
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (April 24)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw their requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (April 24)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients March 2023
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (April 25)
• Fluazifop-P-butyl; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluazifop-Pbutyl in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) and Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (April 27)

March 31, 2023

Statement by EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe on National Farmworker Awareness Week
In celebration of National Farmworker Awareness Week, EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe issued the following statement: “During National Farmworker Awareness Week, we pay tribute to the more than two million unsung heroes who do some of the toughest work to help put food on our tables across the United States. Farmworkers often work day and night in the face of challenges, including increased extreme heat due to climate change, to promote healthy and secure food supplies. I have seen this firsthand in my home state of Indiana. This week, EPA is shining a spotlight on these unsung heroes and their contributions to our nation. EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment, and that includes how our policies and programs support and protect farmworkers and their families across the country. As an agency, we are committed to continuing to work closely with farmworkers and the broader agriculture community to confront environmental issues, advance conservation, and ensure clean air and clean water for all families.”

March 30, 2023

Recognizing and Celebrating Farmworkers During National Farmworker Awareness Week
When perusing the aisles of any grocery store, many of us don’t spend much time thinking about the origins of the fruits or vegetables in our shopping cart. It's easy to forget the long hours, staggering heat, and other challenges farmworkers must endure to put food on our tables. Farmworkers have an essential role in our social, economic, and environmental systems. The health and safety of farmworkers are essential to our livelihoods, and we are honored to celebrate the contributions of hardworking farm laborers during National Farmworker Awareness Week. This week serves as an opportunity to increase awareness of occupational pesticide safety and the difficulties that farmworkers face, while uplifting the contributions they make in feeding a thriving, growing nation. Read more of this EPA Perspectives blog post by Bitta Momeni at www.epa.gov/perspectives.

March 22, 2023

Statement by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on World Water Day
In celebration of World Water Day, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement: “This World Water Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to consider how truly fundamental clean water is to the health of our communities and our environment. Clean water is vital for all life on earth. It supports healthy people, thriving communities and productive agriculture."

March 21, 2023

Statement by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on National Agriculture Day
In celebration of National Agriculture Day, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement: “On this National Agriculture Day, just like every day, I’m grateful for the farmers, ranchers, and laborers who work tirelessly to produce the food, fuel and fiber that powers our Nation’s economy.  The agricultural community is the backbone of this country, and remains a vital partner in EPA’s mission to ensure clean air and clean water for all.

March 20, 2023

Definition of "Waters of the United States": Rule Status and Litigation Update
On December 30, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army ("the agencies") announced the final "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'" rule. On January 18, 2023, the rule was published in the Federal Register, and the rule took effect on March 20, 2023. The Rule is operative in all jurisdictions of the United States except Idaho and Texas. The agencies developed this rule with consideration of the relevant provisions of the Clean Water Act and the statute as a whole, relevant Supreme Court case law, and the agencies’ technical expertise after more than 45 years of implementing the longstanding pre-2015 “waters of the United States” framework. This rule also considers the best available science and extensive public comment to establish a definition of “waters of the United States” that supports public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth. More information about the final rule is available here.

March 16, 2023

Toxic Chemical Releases in 2021 Remained Below Pre-Pandemic Levels According to New Toxics Release Inventory Data
On March 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 2021 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which shows that environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities covered by the program remained below pre-pandemic levels and releases in 2021 are 10% lower than 2012 releases, even with an 8% increase from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, in 2021, facilities managed 89% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while reporting that they released 11% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.

March 15, 2023

EPA Announces Accelerated Action on Four Organophosphate Pesticides Based on Updated Exposure Assessments
On March 15, in Sacramento, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an effort to expedite protections on some high-risk uses of four organophosphate pesticides. The Agency is releasing the updated occupational and non-occupational spray drift exposure risk assessments for these four pesticides – diazinon, ethoprop, tribufos and phosmet – several years ahead of the scheduled completion of EPA’s work on these chemicals in order to seek early mitigation prior to completing the standard registration review process.

March 14, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Proposes First-Ever National Standard to Protect Communities from PFAS in Drinking Water
On March 14, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it is proposing the first-ever national drinking water standard for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the latest action under President Biden’s plan to combat PFAS pollution and Administrator Regan’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. Through this action, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking a major step to protect public health from PFAS pollution, leveraging the latest science and complementing state efforts to limit PFAS by proposing to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in drinking water.

March 13, 2023

EPA Opens Application Period for Grant Supporting Education and Training for Pesticide Applicators
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications from Tribal and state governments, nonprofits and universities for a $15 million grant opportunity to administer a national program on education and training for people that apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs), meaning pesticides that can only be applied by people that are specially certified and trained to handle them. This grant program will help ensure that RUPs are used safely by teaching applicators how to avoid pesticide misuse, clean up spills, and properly use personal protective equipment.

March 4, 2023

EPA Region 8 to host webinar on upcoming environmental grant opportunities for states, tribes, communities, and non-government organizations on March 15
On March 15, EPA Region 8 will host a webinar from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM MST focused on current and upcoming environmental grant opportunities associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.  EPA Region 8 includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, and 28 Tribal Nations.

March 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticides; Final Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on the Lists of Pests of Significant Public Health Importance (Pesticide Registration Notice 2023–1)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of a final Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) entitled, ‘‘Lists of Pests of Significant Public Health Importance’’ and identified as PR Notice 2023–1. PR Notices are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important policies, procedures, and registration related decisions, and serve to provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. This PR Notice updates and replaces the PR Notice 2002–1, which identifies pests of significant public health importance. The Health and Human Services (HHS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that updating the lists to reflect the current public health situation were warranted because vector-borne diseases and related research has changed significantly since the original PR Notice was published almost 20 years ago. This update includes the addition or removal of pests, new impacts, renaming pests, or grouping pests of similar species. (March 1)
• Diglycerol in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of diglycerol when used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and postharvest. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of diglycerol, when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption. This regulation also amends the tolerance exemption 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid by correcting the CAS Reg. No. (March 9)
• Mandestrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of mandestrobin in or on Vegetable, tuberous and corm, except potato, subgroup 1D. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (March 9)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by the registrants to voluntarily cancel their registrations of certain products and to amend certain product registrations to terminate one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw its requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled or uses terminated only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (March 10)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of certain product registrations, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a November 22, 2022, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of requests from the registrants listed in Table 3 of Unit II., to voluntarily cancel and amend certain product registrations to terminate uses of these product registrations. In the November 22, 2022, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations and amendments to terminate uses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (March 10)
• Various Fragrance Components in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of various fragrance components listed in Unit II of this document when used as inert ingredients in antimicrobial pesticide formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairyprocessing equipment, and foodprocessing equipment and utensils when the end-use concentration does not exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). Innovative Reform Group, on behalf of The Clorox Company, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of these various fragrance components, when used in accordance with the terms of the exemptions. (March 13)
• Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Reconsideration of the Application Exclusion Zone Amendments
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to reinstate certain requirements that were amended in 2020 regarding the application exclusion zone (AEZ) requirements of the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). EPA has reconsidered the amended AEZ requirements and has determined that several aspects of the AEZ provisions, such as those regarding the applicability of the AEZ and distance determination criteria, should be revised to reinstate previous requirements that are protective of public health and to limit exposure for those who may be near ongoing pesticide applications. (March 13)
• BLB2 and AMR3 Proteins in Potato; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the BLB2 and AMR3 proteins in potato, when used as a plantincorporated protectant (PIP) in accordance with the terms of Experimental Use Permit (EUP) No. 8971–EUP–3. J.R. Simplot Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the temporary tolerance exemption. This regulation eliminates the need under FFDCA to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of BLB2 and AMR3 proteins. The temporary tolerance exemption expires on March 31, 2024. (March 14)
• Bacteriophage Active Against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae; Bacteriophage Active Against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina; Bacteriophage Active Against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis; and Bacteriophage Active Against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni; Exemptions From the Requirement of Tolerances
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacteriophage active against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina, Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis, and Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni, in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. OmniLytics, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Bacteriophage active against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina, Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis, and Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (March 14)
• Modified Potato Acetolactate Synthase (StmALS) in Potato; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of modified potato acetolactate synthase (StmALS) in potato when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. J.R. Simplot Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of StmALS under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (March 15)
• Paraffin Waxes and Hydrocarbon Waxes, Carboxypolymethylene Resin, and Paraffin Waxes and Hydrocarbon, Oxidized, Lithium Salts in Pesticide Formulations; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of paraffin waxes and hydrocarbon waxes, carboxypolymethylene resin, and paraffin waxes and hydrocarbon, oxidized, lithium salts when used as inert ingredients (flow aid, surface protectant, binder, carrier, coating agent or adjuvant) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and postharvest, applied in/on animals, and in antimicrobial formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. Spring Regulatory Sciences, on behalf of Sasol Chemicals (USA) LLC, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of paraffin waxes and hydrocarbon waxes, carboxypolymethylene resin oxidized paraffin wax, and paraffin waxes and hydrocarbon, oxidized, lithium salts, when used in accordance with the terms of those exemptions. (March 17)
• Azoxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of azoxystrobin in or on mango, papaya, and oil palm. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (March 20)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses February 2023
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (March 23)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities February 2023
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (March 24)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients February 2023
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (March 27)
• Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation modifies existing tolerances for residues of fludioxonil in or on mango and papaya. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (March 29)
• Trinexapac-ethyl; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of trinexapacethyl in or on multiple commodities discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (March 29)
• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This document announces EPA’s order for the cancellation, voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, of the product listed in Table 1 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a May 6, 2022, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Request from the registrant listed in Table 2 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel this product registration. In the May 6, 2022, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellation, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 180-day comment period that would merit its further review of the request, or unless the registrant withdrew their request. The Agency received a comment on the May document, but none merited its further review of the request. Further, the registrant did not withdraw their request. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this document a cancellation order granting the requested cancellation. Any distribution, sale, or use of the product subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (March 29)
• Notice of Approval Status; Certifying Authorities’ Amended Plans for Certification of Commercial and Private Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides; Batch Two
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its approval of twelve amended certification plans for certifying applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) from the following certifying authorities: Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA), Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC), New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food (NHDAFM), New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDEP), Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC), South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SDDANR), and Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The amended plans are consistent with the existing regulatory requirements, including revisions made in 2017 to enhance and improve the competency of certified applicators of RUPs and persons working under their direct supervision. The 2017 regulatory revisions are intended to further reduce potential exposure of RUPs to certified applicators and those working under their direct supervision, other workers, the public, and the environment. Federal, state, territory, and tribal certifying authorities with existing certification plans were required to revise their existing plans to conform with the updated federal standards for RUP applicator certification and receive EPA approval by the established regulatory deadline. (March 30)

February 24, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2.4 Billion for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $2.4 billion from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states, Tribes, and territories through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the nation. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

February 16, 2023

EPA Proposes Rule to Protect Farmworkers and Pesticide Handlers from Exposures
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule that would improve and modernize the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS), reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to protecting farmworkers, pesticide handlers, their families, and agricultural communities from pesticide exposure during National Pesticide Safety Education Month.

February 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Fluopyram; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation revises the tolerance for residues of fluopyram in or on coffee, green bean and establishes tolerances for residues of fluopyram in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 1)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim and final registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed decisions for the following pesticides: coat protein gene of plum pox virus, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, isopropyl myristate, polymeric betaine, undecylenic acid. (February 1)
• Peptide Derived From Harpin Protein; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Peptide Derived from Harpin Protein (PDHP) 25279 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Plant Health Care Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of PDHP 25279 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (February 8)
• EPA orders Hydro House in Lake Orion, Michigan to stop sale of unregistered pesticide
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a stop sale, use or removal order to Kaya Investment Group Inc., doing business as Hydro House, 622 South Lapeer Rd., Lake Orion, Michigan. The order will prevent the illegal distribution and sale of an unregistered pesticide product, Front Row Ag CleanUp. (February 9)
• Glycerides, Soya Mono- and Di-, Ethoxylated; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of glycerides, soya mono- and di-, ethoxylated (CAS Reg. No. 68553–06–0) when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Spring Regulatory Sciences on behalf of Nouryon Chemicals LLC (USA), submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of glycerides, soya mono- and di-, ethoxylated on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with the terms of those exemptions. (February 14)
• Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Application for Registration and Pesticide Report for PesticideProducing and Device-Producing Establishments
  The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Application for Registration and Pesticide Report for Pesticide-Producing and Device-Producing Establishments’’ (EPA ICR No. 0160.12, OMB Control No. 2070–0078) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2023. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. (February 14)
• Pydiflumetofen; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of pydiflumetofen in or on caneberry subgroup 13–07A. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR– 4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 15)
• EPA Proposes Rule to Protect Farmworkers and Pesticide Handlers from Exposures
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule that would improve and modernize the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS), reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to protecting farmworkers, pesticide handlers, their families, and agricultural communities from pesticide exposure during National Pesticide Safety Education Month. (February 16)
• Penthiopyrad; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of penthiopyrad in or on banana. Interregional Research Project Number 4, IR–4, requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 17)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities January 2023
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (February 23)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients January 2023
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (February 23)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses January 2023
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (February 23)
• Sulfoxaflor; Pesticide Product Registration; Notice of Receipt and Request for Comments
  EPA received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing sulfoxaflor, a currently registered active ingredient. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on the application. (February 23)
• Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Certification of Pesticide Applicators
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Certification of Pesticide Applicators (EPA ICR Number 0155.14, OMB Control Number 2070–0029), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed revision of the ICR, which is currently approved through February 28, 2023, to include the activities and burdens contained in related ICR (EPA ICR Number 2499.03, OMB Control Number 2070–0196), which is currently approved through July 31, 2025. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on June 30, 2021 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30- days for public comments. (February 24)
• Propanoic Acid, 3-hydroxy- (hydroxymethyl)-2-methyl-, Polymer With 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, αhydro-w-hydroxypoly[oxy(methyl-1,2- ethanediyl)], 5-isocyanato-1- (isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3- trimethylcyclohexane and Methyloxirane Polymer With Oxirane Ether With 4,4′-(1- methylethylidene)bis[phenol] (2:1), Polyethylene-Polypropylene Glycol 2- aminopropyl Me Ether-Blocked, Compds. With 2-amino-2-methyl-1- propanol; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of propanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methyl-, polymer with 2-amino-2-methyl-1- propanol, a-hydro-whydroxypoly[oxy(methyl-1,2- ethanediyl)], 5-isocyanato-1- (isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3- trimethylcyclohexane and methyloxirane polymer with oxirane ether with 4,4′-(1- methylethylidene)bis[phenol] (2:1), polyethylene-polypropylene glycol 2- aminopropyl Me ether-blocked, compds. with 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (IN– 11729) when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Nouryon Surface Chemistry LLC submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of propanoic acid, 3- hydroxy-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methyl-, polymer with 2-amino-2-methyl-1- propanol, a-hydro-whydroxypoly[oxy(methyl-1,2- ethanediyl)], 5-isocyanato-1- (isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3- trimethylcyclohexane and methyloxirane polymer with oxirane ether with 4,4′-(1- methylethylidene)bis[phenol] (2:1), polyethylene-polypropylene glycol 2- aminopropyl Me ether-blocked, compds. with 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions. (February 27)
• 2-Propenoic Acid, Methyl-, Polymer With Butyl 2-Propenoate and Methyl 2- Methyl-2-Propenoate Compd. With 2- Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-propenoic acid, methyl-, polymer with butyl 2- propenoate and methyl 2-methyl-2- propenoate compd. with 2-amino-2- methyl-1-propanol when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Nouryon Chemicals LLC submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 2-propenoic acid, methyl-, polymer with butyl 2- propenoate and methyl 2-methyl-2- propenoate compd. with 2-amino-2- methyl-1-propanol on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions. (February 27)
• Zein; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of zein (CAS Reg. No. 9010–66–6) when used as an inert ingredient (stabilizing agent) in pesticide formulations applied to animals. The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of zein when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption. (February 27)
• Cyantraniliprole; Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Application for New Uses
  EPA has received an application to register new uses for pesticide products containing cyantraniliprole, a currently registered active ingredient. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on the application. (February 28)
• Hy-Vee Inc. to Pay Penalty for Violating EPA Pesticide Order
  Grocery store chain Hy-Vee Inc. has agreed to pay a $5,374 civil penalty for violating the terms of a “Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order” issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Hy-Vee concerning a pesticide product that, according to EPA, was noncompliant with federal law and may have represented a danger to consumers. (February 28)
   

January 3, 2023

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC); Notice of Public Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), notice is hereby given that the next meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) will be held virtually and in person on January 17 and 18, 2023, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters located at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

January 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities November 2022
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (January 3)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses, November 2022
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (January 3)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients November 2022
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (January 4)
• Extract of Caesalpinia Spinosa; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of extract of Caesalpinia spinosa in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with good agricultural practices. Exponent, on behalf of Ag Chem Resources, LLC, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of extract of Caesalpinia spinosa when used in accordance with this exemption. (January 6)
• Pesticides; Evaluating the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Test Substances on Porous Surfaces in Non-Residential Settings; Interim Guidance and Methods; Extension of Comment Period
  In the Federal Register of December 21, 2022, EPA announced the availability of and solicited public comment on interim guidance and methods for adding efficacy claims to antimicrobial products for use on porous materials, including fabrics, textiles, and upholstered items in nonresidential settings. This document extends the comment period for 30 days from January 20, 2023, to February 19, 2023. (January 18)
• Fluridone; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluridone in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. SePRO Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (January 20)
• Malic Acid; Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of malic acid when used as an inert ingredient (buffering and stabilizing agent) on growing crops. Valent BioSciences, LLC, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of malic acid, when used in accordance with the terms of these exemptions. (January 25)
• Rimsulfuron; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of rimsulfuron in or on pomegranate and tropical and subtropical, small fruit, edible peel, subgroup 23A. The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (January 25)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s preliminary work plans for the following chemicals: abscisic acid, Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac in MON 87701 soybean, fluensulfone. With this document, the EPA is opening the public comment period for registration review for these chemicals. (January 27)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim or final registration review decisions for the following chemicals: 2-methyl-1- butanol, calcium acetate, Candida oleophila, cedarwood oil, citral, heptyl butyrate, l-carvone. In addition, this notice announces the closure of the registration review case for cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) because the last U.S. registrations for this pesticide have been canceled. (January 30)