Agriculture News 2018

• Chlorate; Pesticide Exemptions From Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of chlorate in or on cantaloupe and tomato under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) (December 26)
• Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request -- announces EPA's receipt of application requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for aminoethoxyvinylglycine. Comments must be received on or before January 25, 2019 (December 26)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before January 25, 2019 (December 26)
• Pesticides; Petition Seeking Rulemaking or a Formal Agency Interpretation for Planted Seeds Treated With Systemic Insecticides; Request for Comment -- seeking public comment on a petition from the Center for Food Safety (CSF) requesting that the Agency either initiate a rulemaking or issue a formal Agency interpretation for planted seeds treated with systemic insecticides. Comments must be received on or before March 26, 2019 (December 26) --
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Comments must be received on or before January 25, 2019 (December 26) --
• Mefenoxam; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of mefenoxam in or on cacao bean; the fruit, small, vine climbing, except grape, subgroup 13-07E; and wasabi (December 21)
• Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of tolfenpyrad in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (December 21)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before January 22, 2019 (December 21)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Comments must be received on or before January 22, 2019 (December 21)
• Pesticides; Petition Seeking Revised Testing Requirements of Pesticides Prior to Registration; Request for Comment -- EPA is seeking public comment on a petition from the Center for Food Safety (CFS) requesting that the Agency revise testing requirements for pesticides prior to registration. Comments must be received on or before March 21, 2019 (December 21) 
• 6-Benzyladenine; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of 6-benzyladenine in or on avocados, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and squash (December 13)
• Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Pesticide Active Ingredient Production (Renewal) -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NESHAP for Pesticide Active Ingredient Production, 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 December 31, 2018. Public comments were previously requested, via the Federal Register, on June 29, 2017 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Additional comments may be submitted on or before January 10, 2019 (December 11)
• Clomazone; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of clomazone in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (December 6)
• Extension of Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions (Multiple Chemicals) -- extends time-limited tolerances for the pesticides listed in this document. 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. This regulation is effective December 6, 2018 (December 6)
• Calcium Formate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of calcium formate when used as an inert ingredient (carrier) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only (December 4)
• Oxytetracycline; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of oxytetracycline in or on fruit, citrus, crop group 10-10 (December 4)
• Bixafen; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of bixafen in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (December 4)
• 1-Propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propen-1-y1)amino]-, homopolymer, sodium salt and 1-Propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propen-1-y1)amino]-, sodium salt (1:1), homopolymer; Tolerance Exemption -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propen-1-y1)amino]-, homopolymer, sodium salt and 1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propen-1-y1)amino]-, sodium salt (1:1), homopolymer; when used as inert ingredients in a pesticide chemical formulation (December 4)
• Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decisions for the following pesticides: 2,4-xylenol, Abamectin, Ametryn, Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, Bacteriophage active against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, Barium metaborate, Bicarbonates, Biobor, Butralin, Chondrostereum Purpureum, Corn glutens, Cyhalofop-butyl, Diphenylamine, Indole-3-acetic acid, L-glutamic acid and gamma aminobutyric acid, Lysophosphatidylethanolamine, Meta-cresol, Methiocarb, Methyl anthranilate, Oil of black pepper, Oryzalin, Phosphoric acid and its salts, Potato leaf roll virus resistance gene, Predator urines, Prodiamine, Pyrithiobac-sodium, Sodium cyanide, Sodium fluoroacetate, Straight chain lepidopteran pheromones, Verticillium isolate WCS850, Yeast extract hydrolysate, and Zinc borate. Comments must be received on or before February 4, 2019 (December 4)
• Interim Registration Review Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's interim registration review decision for the following chemicals: Acibenzolar-s-methyl, Aspergillus flavus, Asulam, Bacillus licheniformis strain SB3086, Chloroxylenol, Copper compounds, Dried Fermentation Solids and Solubles of Myrothecium verrucaria, EPTC, Ethylene, Fludioxonil, Formic Acid, Methyl Nonyl Ketone, Niclosamide, N\6\-Benzyladenine, Potassium Silicate, Propamocarb hydrochloride, Putrescent Whole Egg Solids, Sodium carbonate and TFM. It also announces the case closure for Bis (bromoacetoxy)-2-butene (BBAB) because the last U.S. registrations for these pesticides have been canceled (December 4)  

November 30, 2018

EPA Finalizes RFS Volumes for 2019 and Biomass Based Diesel Volumes for 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2019, and biomass-based diesel for 2020.

November 28, 2018

Upcoming Public Meeting – Environmental Modeling of Vapor – Phase Pesticides
On January 30, 2019, EPA will hold an Environmental Modeling Public Meeting. This meeting is a public forum for pesticide registrants, other stakeholders and EPA to discuss current issues related to modeling pesticide fate, transport, and exposure for pesticide risk assessments in a regulatory context. This meeting offers a forum for presentations on offsite exposure from vapor-phase pesticides. Registration is required.

November 14, 2018

Emergency Release Notification: Regulations on Reporting Exemption for Air Emissions From Animal Waste at Farms; Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the release notification regulations under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to add the reporting exemption for air emissions from animal waste at farms provided in section 103(e) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). In addition, EPA is proposing to add definitions of "animal waste" and "farm" to the EPCRA regulations to delineate the scope of this reporting exemption. This proposed rulemaking maintains consistency between the emergency release notification requirements of EPCRA and CERCLA in accordance with the statutory text, framework and legislative history of EPCRA, and is consistent with the agency's prior regulatory actions. Comments must be received on or before December 14, 2018. 

November 13, 2018

EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Launches Cleaner Trucks Initiative
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler launched the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI) to further decrease nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from on-highway heavy-duty trucks and engines. He was joined by EPA Office of Air and Radiation Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum, White House officials, state partners, labor representatives, and leaders from the trucking and engine manufacturing industry. The CTI will include a future rulemaking that will update the existing NOx standard which was last set in 2001 while also streamlining compliance and certification requirements.  

November 8, 2018

EPA Issues Final State Plans Rule to Ensure Attainment of the Standards for Ground-Level Ozone
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final state implementation plan (SIP) Requirements Rule for implementing the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone. These requirements apply to states and tribes with nonattainment areas as well as the 13 northeastern states that currently comprise the Ozone Transport Region. This rule will assist our state and tribal partners in developing their implementation plans to meet the 2015 ozone standards, while providing the greatest flexibility possible.

2018 PEYA Application Period
Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects by K-12 youth, promoting awareness of our nation's natural resources and encouraging positive community involvement. The PEYA program celebrates student leadership in service projects to protect the environment and keep our global community healthy. Winners of this year’s awards will be invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in mid-2019, and have their project mentioned on EPA’s website.

November 1, 2018

EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler, USDA Secretary Perdue, and DOE Secretary Perry Send Letter to Congress on Biomass Carbon Neutrality 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rick Perry, sent a letter to the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations. The letter describes the agencies’ work to ensure consistent federal policy on forest biomass energy and promote clear policies that encourage the treatment of forest biomass as a carbon-neutral renewable energy solution.

EPA Region 4 Administrator Addresses 400 Farmers and State Agriculture Leaders in Mississippi
Region 4 Administrator Trey Glenn addressed more than 400 farmers, state agriculture leaders, Congressional and state elected officials at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s “Washington D.C. Fly-in to the Farm Meeting” in Jackson, Miss. Glenn highlighted major actions the Agency is working on related to agriculture that could save Americans money while protecting the environment. These include the Agency’s work to redefine the “Waters of the U.S.” rule to provide regulatory certainty to farmers and ranchers and prioritize keeping America’s water clean, along with two significant announcements the EPA made this week

November 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's draft human health and ecological risk assessments for the registration review of amitraz, bispyribac-sodium, bromoxynil, captan, chloropicrin, dazomet, diclosulam, florasulam, flucarbazone-sodium, fluroxypyr, formetanate, imazalil, imazamox, imazapic, imazaquin, imazethapyr, MCPA, metam sodium, metam potassium, methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol, starlicide, tri-n butyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride (TTPC), triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTH), and zinc salts. This notice also announces the availability of EPA's draft human health risk assessments for the registration review of para-dichlorobenzene and penoxsulam. Comments must be received on or before January 29, 2019. (November 30)
• Pyrifluquinazon; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of pyrifluquinazon in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. Nichino America, Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 26) 
• Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain ENV503; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain ENV503 in or on all food commodities when this pesticide chemical is used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Envera, 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 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain ENV503 in or on all food commodities under FFDCA. (November 20)
• Azoxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of azoxystrobin in or on beet, sugar, roots and vegetable, root, except sugar beet, subgroup 1B. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 15)--  
• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses -- announces EPA's order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1, Table 1A, Table 1B and Table 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an August 10, 2018 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 these product registrations. In the August 10, 2018 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. (November 15)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before December 17, 2018. (November 15) 
• Cyantraniliprole; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of cyantraniliprole in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) and DuPont Crop Protection requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 13) 
• Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes revised tolerances for residues of fludioxonil in or on beet, sugar, roots at 4.0 parts per million. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 6) 

October 31, 2018

EPA Announces Changes To Dicamba Registration
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is extending the registration of dicamba for two years for “over-the-top” use (application to growing plants) to control weeds in fields for cotton and soybean plants genetically engineered to resist dicamba. This action was informed by input from and extensive collaboration between EPA, state regulators, farmers, academic researchers, pesticide manufacturers, and other stakeholders.

EPA Healthy Community Grants Will Help Protect Health in Mass.
Six organizations in Massachusetts were awarded a total of $150,000 by the US Environmental Protection Agency to fund community projects addressing environmental and public health issues. The projects will reduce environmental risks, protect and improve human health, and improve the quality of life for communities and residents of the state. The Island Grown Initiative's food waste project on Martha's Vineyard will help put in place EPA's food recovery hierarchy to reduce waste at the source, feed people, feed animals, and compost, thereby diverting waste from landfills.

EPA Healthy Community Grants Will Help Protect Health in Conn.
Four organizations in Connecticut were awarded a total of $90,830 by the US Environmental Protection Agency to fund community projects addressing environmental and public health issues. The projects will reduce environmental risks, protect and improve human health, and improve the quality of life for communities and residents of the state. New Haven Ecology Project's "Green Jobs Corps" will connect New Haven youth with environmental job opportunities that improve urban schoolyards, parks, and habitats in New Haven. The trainees will come from the Common Ground High School and assume environmental leadership roles at one of several placement sites, including a 20-acre urban farm, which is leased from the City of New Haven.

October 30, 2018

Acting Administrator Wheeler Proposes an EPCRA Exemption for Livestock Emissions Reporting with Sen. Moran in Kansas
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a proposed rule to amend the emergency release notification regulations under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to make clear that reporting of air emission from animal waste at farms is not required under EPCRA. He was joined by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran for the signing.

Agenda for November 1 Biotechnology/Emerging Technologies Seminar Now Available
Through a series of sessions, EPA will provide an overview of emerging technologies as they relate to pesticides and provide opportunities for participants to ask questions about these emerging technologies. The seminar will be held on November 1, 2018, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time, in EPA’s first floor conference center at One Potomac Yard South, 2777 South Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.

October 25, 2018

EPA Selects National Center for Appropriate Technology’s Training Farm in Fayetteville, AR, for Environmental Education Grant
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected the National Appropriate Technology Center’s “incubator” farm training facility in Fayetteville, Ark., as one of 37 organizations to receive funding under the 2018 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program. EPA anticipates providing funding for projects across the nation, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

October 23, 2018

Plano, TX, Student Wins President’s Environmental Youth Award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that eighth-grader Madhalasa Iyer from Plano, Texas, won a President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). Madhalasa is being honored for working to protect farmers in India from harmful effects of incorrectly applied pesticides.

October 22, 2018

U.S. EPA awards $9.6 million in grants to reduce harmful diesel emissions in California
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today awarded $9.6 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants to public and private partners in California. EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, Mike Stoker, made the announcement today at an event with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District in Fresno, Calif. The funds will be used to retrofit and replace old, polluting diesel vehicles and equipment, including school buses, heavy-duty trucks, tractors and port equipment.

October 12, 2018

EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Completes California Visit
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler concluded his first visit to EPA’s region 9 office in San Francisco, California, where he met with regional leadership and held an all hands staff meeting. Later he visited the Stanislaus River with Congressman Jeff Denham (CA-10) to survey the Weir traps, and engage with local stakeholders and tribes on water quality standards.

Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Meeting October 31, 2018 and Biotechnology Seminar November 1, 2018
EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) will hold a public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additionally, on Thursday, November 1, from 8:30 a.m. to noon OPP will hold a Biotechnology Seminar. Both events will be held in EPA’s first floor conference center at One Potomac Yard South, 2777 South Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. Read the Federal Register notice announcing the PPDC meeting and biotechnology seminar.

October 10, 2018

EPA awards environmental education grants to California and Hawaii organizations
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant awards totaling $385,000 for environmental education projects throughout the Pacific Southwest.

EPA Hits 13-Year High in Deleting Superfund Sites
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, the Agency deleted all or part of 22 sites from Superfund’s National Priorities List (NPL), the largest number of deletions in one year since FY 2005 and a significant increase over the past few years.

October 4, 2018

EPA awards a nearly $100,000 environmental education grant to urban teaching farm in Prince George’s County, Md.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $97,847 environmental education grant to Engaged Community Offshoots, Inc. in Riverdale, Maryland to support educating youths about sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation at an urban teaching farm.

October 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pyroxasulfone; Pesticide Tolerances -- Establishes tolerances for residues of pyroxasulfone in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. In addition, the established pyroxasulfone tolerance on cotton, undelinted seed is removed (October 29)
• Agency Information Collection Activities; Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Pesticide Program Public Sector Collections (FIFRA Sections 18 & 24(c)) (Renewal) -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted the following information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA): Pesticide Program Public Sector Collections. Comments must be received on or before November 26, 2018 (October 26)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- Announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before November 23, 2018 (October 24)
• Pesticide Registration Maintenance Fee: 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 through Pesticide Registration Maintenance Fee responses to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. Comments must be received on or before November 19, 2018 (October 19)
• Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- Amends the exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations to add one herbicide application prior to the preboot stage on buckwheat, oats, rye, sorghum, triticale, rice and wild rice; extend use on canola to the early bolting stage; extend use on soybeans prior to the bloom growth stage; and allow use in herbicides with two applications to field corn and popcorn prior to 36 inches tall (V8 stage) (October 19)
• Boscalid; Pesticide Tolerances -- Establishes tolerances for residues of boscalid in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (October 19)
• Prothioconazole; Pesticide Tolerances -- Establishes tolerances for residues of prothioconazole in or on rapeseed subgroup 20A (October 19)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- Announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before November 19, 2018 (October 18)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before November 14, 2018 (October 15)
• Etoxazole; Pesticide Tolerances -- Establishes tolerances for residues of etoxazole in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. In addition, it removes certain previously established tolerances that are superseded by this final rule (October 15)
• Pyraclostrobin; Pesticide Tolerances -- Establishes tolerances for residues of pyraclostrobin in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (October 15)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients (October 12)
• 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 October 31, 2018. This meeting is intended to provide advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on issues associated with pesticide regulatory development and reform initiatives, evolving public policy and program implementation issues, and science issues associated with evaluating and reducing risks from use of pesticides. The PPDC meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursday, November 1, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an informational seminar on biotechnology-pesticide issues held for stakeholders (October 10)
• Flumioxazin; Pesticide Tolerances -- Establishes tolerances with regional registrations for residues of flumioxazin in or on Grass, forage and Grass, hay (October 5)

September 27, 2018

EPA Awards $200,000 for Two Education Projects in Milwaukee Area
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $100,000 each to the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin for environmental education projects.

September 25, 2018

EPA’s environmental education grants help students in Alaska, Oregon and Washington learn about local foods, recycling, and watershed restoration
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, is awarding $342,000 in environmental education grant funds to the Swinomish Tribe, University of Alaska, Children’s Forest of Central Oregon, and Eastern Washington University for local projects to increase environmental awareness and stewardship.

September 24, 2018

EPA honors students in Washington and Alaska for outstanding leadership and environmental achievements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is honoring students and teachers in Everett, Okanogan and Sammamish, Washington and in Kenai, Alaska for their work to protect the environment and promote sustainability in their communities. The students are among youth across the U.S. recognized in this year’s President’s Environmental Youth Awards.

U.S. EPA requires ag companies to better manage pesticides in California and Arizona
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced settlements with two companies for the improper storage and labeling of agricultural pesticides. Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc., formerly doing business as Crop Production Services, Inc., and Colusa County Farm Supply, Inc., a distributor of chemicals and fertilizers in Northern California, have agreed to pay a total of $345,148 in civil penalties. The firms have corrected all identified compliance issues.

September 21, 2018

EPA, Maryland, and Coastal Bays Program to Continue and Expand Partnership with University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and Maryland state officials signed an agreement with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to build on the school’s environmental opportunities for students and faculty and its involvement in watershed restoration activities. The parties to the agreement also include the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of the Environment, and Maryland Department of Agriculture.

September 20, 2018

Register for Oct 25 Webinar on Best Practices for Pesticide Ground Application
EPA is hosting a webinar titled “Best Practices for Ground Application” on October 25, 2018, from 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET. This webinar is tailored for growers, pesticide applicators, pest management professionals, and other interested stakeholders who work in crop production.

EPA Updates RFS Website to Improve Transparency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program website to increase transparency surrounding the program. The updated website includes new data and information for both stakeholders and the public.

September 19, 2018

EPA to host Smart Sectors meetings with agriculture leaders in Cheyenne, Wyo. and Fort Collins, Colo.
On Thursday, September 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host two Smart Sectors initiative meetings with federal and state agencies and leaders from the region’s agriculture and food production industries in Fort Collins, Colo. and in Cheyenne, Wyo. 

EPA Settles with Medline Industries for Sale or Distribution of Unregistered Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with Medline Industries of Northfield, Ill., that resolves allegations that the company violated the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) on 1,291 occasions by selling or distributing an unregistered pesticide. Medline has agreed to pay a $4,930,000 administrative penalty for the alleged violations.

September 17, 2018

EPA Regional Administrator to Visit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on One-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Maria
On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s landfall in the Caribbean, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Pete Lopez will meet this week with commonwealth, territory, and local partners to strengthen the partnerships formed during the emergency response and continue the close coordination on recovery efforts, including solid waste management, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure issues.

September 14, 2018

EPA to Hold October 12, 2018 Meeting on PBPK/PD Models
On October 12, 2018 from 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern Time, EPA will host an external peer review panel to review the potential use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) models in the risk assessments for carbaryl, deltamethrin, and permethrin.

EPA Hurricane Florence Update Friday, September 14, 2018
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coordinating closely with local, state, and federal partners as the Agency focuses on responding to the impacts of Hurricane Florence. EPA is monitoring numerous sources of information for reports on releases of oil and hazardous substances from first responders engaged in search and rescue efforts, as well as media observations and reporting, information from facility personnel embedded at their sites, the National Response Center, and information flows from the local command posts, state, and regional emergency operations centers.

September 5, 2018

EPA awards nearly $400k in wetlands grants in Wyoming to bolster wetland assessments and the development of water quality tools and data
EPA has awarded $397,064 in wetlands grant funding to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the University of Wyoming. These projects will help build a robust wetlands program in the state by providing much needed mapping and spatial data.  Projects will also demonstrate restoration techniques and support local stakeholders in wetlands management and decision making.

September 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Request for Nominations of Experts To Consider for ad hoc Participation on Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) -- The EPA requests public nominations of scientific experts to be considered for ad hoc participation on the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) through membership on the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Science Review Board (SRB). All nominees will be considered for ad hoc participation providing independent scientific advice to the EPA on health and safety issues related to pesticides (September 28)
• 2-Propenoic Acid, Polymer With Butyl 2-Propenoate, Ethenylbenzene and (1-Methylethenyl) Benzene, Ammonium Salt; Tolerance Exemption -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-propenoic acid, polymer with butyl 2-propenoate, ethenylbenzene and (1-methylethenyl) benzene, ammonium salt; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (September 26)
• Maltodextrin-Vinyl Pyrrolidinone Copolymer; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of maltodextrin-vinyl pyrrolidinone copolymer when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (September 26)
• 2-Propenoic Acid, 2-Methyl-, Polymer With Butyl 2-Methyl-2-Propenoate, Butyl 2-Propenoate, N-(1,1-Dimethyl-3-Oxobutyl)-2-Propenamide, Ethenylbenzene, 2-Ethylhexyl 2-Propenoate and Methyl 2-Methyl-2-Propenoate; Tolerance Exemption -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, polymer with butyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, butyl 2-propenoate, N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)-2-propenamide, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and methyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (September 26)
• Beauveria bassiana Strain PPRI 5339; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Beauveria bassiana strain PPRI 5339 in or on all food commodities when this pesticide chemical is used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (September 18)
• Bacteriophage Active Against Erwinia amylovora; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of lytic bacteriophage active against Erwinia amylovora that are produced in Erwinia amylovora in or on apple and pear, when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (September 13)
• Pepino Mosaic Virus, Strain CH2, Isolate 1906; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Pepino mosaic virus, strain CH2, isolate 1906 in or on tomato when this pesticide chemical is used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (September 13)
• Bacteriophage Active Against Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of lytic bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri that are produced in Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri in or on food commodities included in the fruit, citrus groups 10 and 10-10, when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (September 13)
• Afidopyropen; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of afidopyropen, [(3S,4R,4aR,6S,6aS,12R,12aS,12bS)-3-[(cyclopropylcarbonyl)oxy]-1,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,12,12a,12b-decahydro-6,12-dihydroxy-4,6a,12b-trimethyl-11-oxo-9-(3-pyridinyl)-2H,11H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrano[3,4-e]pyran-4-yl]methyl cyclopropanecarboxylate, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (September 13)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before October 12, 2018 (September 12)
• Metschnikowia Fructicola Strain NRRLY-27328; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 in or on the stone fruit group (group 12-12); the small fruit vine climbing subgroup, except fuzzy kiwifruit (subgroup 13-07F); and the low growing berry subgroup (subgroup 13-07G) when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (September 12)
• 2-Propenoic Acid, 2-methyl-, 2-oxiranylmethyl ester, polymer With butyl 2-propenoate, ethenylbenzene and 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate; Tolerance Exemption -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-oxiranylmethyl ester, polymer with butyl 2-propenoate, ethenylbenzene and 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (September 11)
• Spiromesifen; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes a tolerance for residues of spiromesifen in or on coffee (September 11)
• Cloquintocet-mexyl; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of the inert ingredient cloquintocet-mexyl in or on teff commodities when used in formulations with the active ingredients florasulam and fluroxypyr 1-methylhelptyl ester (September 11)

August 30, 2018

EPA Reaches Settlement on Clean Water Act Violations with Two Animal Feeding Operations in West Point area of Nebraska
EPA Region 7 has reached an administrative settlement with two concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) facilities in the West Point area to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The agreement is expected to help safeguard Nebraska waterways from pollutants and bring both facilities within federal regulatory compliance.

August 29, 2018

EPA selects UVM and State Agriculture College for $100,000 environmental education grant
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected the University of Vermont and State Agriculture College for a $100,000 Environmental Education grant to enhance environmental literacy for future farmers. UVM and State Agriculture College was selected through a competitive process as one of 37 entities to receive this funding nationwide.

EPA selects EdAdvance for $100,000 environmental education grant
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected EdAdvance in Litchfield, Conn. for a $100,000 Environmental Education grant to expand Green LEAF schools across the state of Connecticut. EdAdvance was selected through a competitive process as one of 37 entities nationwide to receive this funding.

August 28, 2018

Register for September 27 Webinar on Best Practices for Pesticide Aerial Application
EPA is hosting a webinar titled “Best Practices for Aerial Application” on September 27, 2018, from 2 - 3:30 pm ET. This webinar is tailored for growers, pesticide applicators, pest management professionals, and other interested stakeholders who work in crop production.

August 24, 2018

EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Promotes ACE Proposal In Kentucky 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler visited the Bluegrass State to tout EPA’s Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) proposal, announced earlier this week, that would replace the Clean Power Plan and establish emission guidelines for states to develop plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

August 22, 2018

EPA Environmental Education Grant to Rutgers will help Paterson, NJ students, teachers and parents reduce food waste
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, has been selected to receive funding to support a food waste reduction project in Paterson, NJ. EPA anticipates that it will award Rutgers an Environmental Education grant in the amount of $50,000 once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

EPA Environmental Education Grant to Alelí Environmental will strengthen agricultural education, promote environmental stewardship in Puerto Rico communities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Alelí Environmental has been selected to receive funding to support agricultural education and community projects in southwest Puerto Rico. EPA anticipates that it will award Alelí Environmental an Environmental Education grant in the amount of $100,000 once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

August 21, 2018

EPA Selects Kansas City Community Gardens for $90,000 Environmental Education Grant
EPA is pleased to announce its selection of Kansas City Community Gardens to receive funding for their “Orchard Education” environmental education project.

August 20, 2018

EPA Selects Environmental Education Grantees to Receive $3.3 Million to Support Projects Nationwide
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the selection of 37 organizations to receive funding for projects under the 2018 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program. EPA anticipates providing funding for projects across the nation, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

New Frequently Asked Questions on Honeybee Toxicity Testing for Registrants and Contract Laboratories
The Environmental Protection Agency has posted new frequently asked questions for registrants and contract laboratories conducting honeybee toxicity testing. These FAQs are made up of responses to inquiries EPA commonly receives about protocols used to generate honeybee toxicity data for submission in support of pesticide registration. Additionally, these FAQs are meant to complement the Agency’s existing Pollinator Risk Assessment Guidance and increase the transparency and clarity of the risk assessment process. -- https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/new-frequently-asked-questions-honeybee-toxicity-testing-registrants-and-contract

August 17, 2018

Acting EPA Administrator Wheeler Wraps Up Michigan Visit
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler visited Pointe Mouillee, participated in a discussion on agriculture with the Michigan Farm Bureau at Horkey Farms in Dundee, Michigan, and toured EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

August 13, 2018

EPA Acting Administrator Visits With Elected Officials and Stakeholders at Iowa State Fair
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler visited the Hawkeye State’s annual state fair to engage with the people of Iowa and take part in a round of meetings with a delegation of Iowa elected officials and agricultural stakeholders.

August 9, 2018

Five Star Urban Waters Grants Awarded to Projects in Kansas City Area
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grants for the Miami County (Kansas) Conservation District and Heartland Conservation Alliance, Inc., to support habitat restoration and urban water quality initiatives in the Kansas City area.

August 8, 2018

FIFRA SAP Meeting on “Evaluation of a Proposed Approach to Refine the Inhalation Risk Assessment for Point of Contact Toxicity: A Case Study Using a New Approach Methodology (NAM).” Request for Nominations and Notice of Public Meeting -- EPA is seeking nominations for expert ad hoc members of the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel to evaluate a proposed approach to refine an inhalation risk assessment for point of contact toxicity. Panel members will review a case study using the pesticide chlorothalonil to evaluate a new approach methodology (NAM). 

August 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Aspartic Acid, N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-, Tetrasodium Salt; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of aspartic acid, N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-, tetrasodium salt (CAS Reg. No. 144538-83-0) when used as an inert ingredient in antimicrobial pesticide products for which, when ready for use, the end-use concentration does not exceed 5,000 parts per million (ppm) of aspartic acid, N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-, tetrasodium salt (August 28)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before September 24, 2018 (August 24)
• Zinc Oxide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- amends an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of zinc oxide when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest, to include use as a stabilizer, at a concentration not to exceed 15% by weight of the pesticide formulation (August 24)  
• Lignosulfonic Acid, Calcium, Comp. With 1,6 Hexanediamine Polymer With Guanidine Hydrochloride (1:1); Tolerance Exemption -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of lignosulfonic acid, calcium, comp. with 1,6 hexanediamine polymer with guanidine hydrochloride (1:1) number average molecular weight 4,500 to 7,000 when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (August 24)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before September 13, 2018 (August 14)  
• Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Experimental Use Permits (EUPs) for Pesticides (Renewal) -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted the following information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA): Experimental Use Permits (EUPs) for Pesticides. Comments must be received on or before September 13, 2018 (August 14)
• 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 certain pesticide product registrations and to amend certain product registrations to terminate uses. Comments must be received on or before September 10, 2018 (August 10)
• Picoxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of picoxystrobin in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document (August 10) 
• Cerevisane (Cell Walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain LAS117); Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for cerevisane (cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LAS117) in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (August 9)
• Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decisions for the chemicals listed in the Table in Unit IV of this Notice. Comments must be received on or before October 9, 2018 (August 8)
• Spinetoram; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of spinetoram in or on tea, dried and tea, instant (August 8)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- EPA has received an application to register a new use for a pesticide product containing a currently registered active ingredient (August 6)
• Titanium dioxide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- amends the exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of titanium dioxide when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops to allow for use as a carrier (August 1)

July 30, 2018

EPA to host Smart Sectors meeting with Utah agriculture leaders in Salt Lake City on July 31
On July 31, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food will host a national Smart Sectors roundtable discussion with federal and state agencies and leaders from Utah’s agriculture and food production industry in Salt Lake City.

July 26, 2018

Atrazine Human Health Risk Assessment Now Available for Public Comment
EPA is releasing the atrazine draft human health risk assessment for public comment. The assessment identifies potential risks to children who crawl and play on lawns sprayed with atrazine and to workers who apply atrazine and/or enter treated fields after application.

July 24, 2018

Register Now for the Integrated Pest Management Pollinator Habitat Promotion Webinar
EPA is offering a free webinar titled “Integrated Pest Management: Strategies for Pollinator Habitat Promotion and Conservation in Agricultural Areas” on August 28, 2018, from 1 –2:30 pm ET. This webinar is tailored for growers, pesticide applicators, agricultural land managers, and other interested stakeholders who work in crop production.

Acting Administrator Wheeler Codifies Latest Animal Waste Report Exemptions Under CERCLA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a final rule that made changes in regulations to conform to the FARM Act. The final rule also removes the regulatory text of EPA’s 2008 rule that provided an exemption to farms from reporting.

July 23, 2018

EPA to host Smart Sectors meeting with Colorado agriculture leaders in Greeley on July 24
On July 24, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a national Smart Sectors initiative meeting with federal and state agencies, elected officials, and leaders from Colorado’s agriculture and food production industry in Greeley. Colo.

Acting Administrator Wheeler to Make RFS Pathways Announcement
On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, joined by Members of Congress and stakeholders, will make an announcement regarding renewable fuel derived from sorghum.

July 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• 1,1-Difluoroethane; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- amends an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance to allow for residues of 1,1-difluoroethane when used as an inert ingredient (aerosol propellant) in bird repellent pesticide products applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest and to animals (July 26)
• Florasulam; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of florasulam in or on teff forage, teff grain, teff hay, and teff straw (July 25)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before August 23, 2018 (July 24)
• Flonicamid; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of flonicamid in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document as well as tolerances with regional registrations on clover, forage and clover, hay. In addition, this regulation removes certain previously established tolerances that are superseded by this final rule (July 23)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before August 20, 2018 (July 19)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before August 20, 2018 (July 19)
• 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 certain pesticide product registrations and to amend certain product registrations to terminate uses (July 10)
• Pyroxsulam; Pesticide Tolerances -- amends existing tolerances for residues of pyroxsulam in or on teff forage, teff grain, teff hay, and teff straw (July 10)

June 29, 2018

EPA to Host July 26 Technical Webinar for Registrants of Pet Spot-on Products on Using New Standardized Templates for Enhanced Incident Reporting
EPA will host a technical webinar on July 26 to provide an opportunity for registrants to ask questions on how to use the new standard templates that can be used by registrants of pet spot-on products to submit enhanced incident reports and sales data. This is a follow up to its May 2018 webinar that marked the conclusion of the Pet Spot-on Enhanced Reporting Pilot and presented the finalized, standard templates.

June 26, 2018

EPA provides $300,000 to Metroparks Toledo to restore wet prairie in Maumee River AOC
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300,000 to the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area to restore 32 acres of wet prairie within the Maumee River Area of Concern.

June 22, 2018

Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Notification of Availability
EPA is announcing the availability of training materials covering the expanded training content required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for both agricultural workers and pesticide handlers.

June 21, 2018

EPA to host Smart Sectors meeting with North Dakota agriculture leaders in Minot on June 25
On June 25, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a national Smart Sectors initiative meeting with federal and state agencies, elected officials, and leaders from North Dakota’s agriculture and food production industry in Minot, N.D.

June 19, 2018

Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Harmonization of Regulations Safeguarding Human Test Subjects
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 concerning “Harmonize 40 CFR 26 Subparts C, D, and K with Subpart A (the Common Rule)”. The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available by EPA.

June 15, 2018

Administrator Pruitt Wraps Up Week-Long Heartland Tour
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt just wrapped up a tour across the heartland — meeting with farmers in Kansas, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Administrator Pruitt released the following statement: “Our nation’s farmers are important partners to EPA in achieving positive environmental outcomes. After visiting communities in Kansas, South Dakota, and Nebraska, I will take perspectives shared with me back to Washington to continue working on meaningful solutions on important issues such as the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

June 14, 2018

EPA Announces Federal Register Notice Regarding the Availability of Worker Protection Training Materials
EPA is notifying the public that the Agency intends to publish in the Federal Register a notice stating the pesticide safety training materials with the expanded content required by the 2015 FIFRA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) are available for use. The notice of availability will be published in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0184 on www.regulations.gov.

Administrator Pruitt Visits with Farmers and Local Leaders in Nebraska
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt visited Omaha’s Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant and met with state and local leaders to see first-hand how Omaha is working to overcome water infrastructure challenges. He also announced the partial deletion of an additional 101 properties from the Omaha Lead Superfund Site and met with farmers to announce the Agency’s next step on the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule.

June 13, 2018

University of Arizona receives $91,000 grant to create Santa Cruz County’s first compost center
The University of Arizona and Santa Cruz County launched the county’s first compost center at Rio Rico High School in Rio Rico, Ariz. The center’s creation was supported through a $91,519 North American Development Bank grant in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Administrator Pruitt Meets with Regulated Stakeholders in South Dakota
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt met with employees at NorthWestern Energy and attended a roundtable with sorghum farmers at Schindler Farms.

June 12, 2018

Administrator Pruitt Talks with Kansas Farmers
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt visited East Kansas Agri-Energy and Dedonder Farms, where he announced EPA has approved the first registration for bio-isobutanol as a fuel additive. Administrator Pruitt also visited EPA’s Region 7 office in Lenexa, Kansas. 

June 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients (June 28)
• Lambda-Cyhalothrin; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment -- EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Washington State Department of Agriculture to use the pesticide lambda-cyhalothrin to treat up to 7,000 acres of asparagus to control the European asparagus aphid. Comments must be received on or before July 13, 2018 (June 28)
• Fluroxypyr; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of fluroxypyr in or on teff forage, teff grain, teff hay, and teff straw (June 26)
• Benzovindiflupyr; Pesticide Tolerances -- In response to a petition filed by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), this regulation establishes tolerances for residues of benzovindiflupyr in or on bluegrass, forage at 0.15 parts per million (ppm), bluegrass, hay at 7.0 ppm, bluegrass, straw at 6.0 ppm, bromegrass, forage at 0.15 ppm, bromegrass, hay at 7.0 ppm, bromegrass, straw at 6.0 ppm, fescue, forage at 0.15 ppm, fescue, hay at 7.0 ppm, fescue, straw at 6.0 ppm, orchardgrass, forage at 0.15 ppm, orchardgrass, hay at 7.0 ppm, orchardgrass, straw at 6.0 ppm, and ryegrass, forage at 0.15 ppm, ryegrass, hay at 7.0 ppm, and ryegrass, straw at 6.0 ppm (June 22)
• Thiencarbazone-methyl; Pesticide Tolerance -- establishes a tolerance for residues of thiencarbazone-methyl in or on wheat forage (June 22)
• Acetochlor; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of acetochlor in or on alfalfa and related animal commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (June 22)
• Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of tolfenpyrad in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (June 22)
• Oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono[2-[2-(2-methoxymethylethoxy)methylethoxy]methylether] ether; Tolerance Exemption -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono[2-[2-(2-methoxymethylethoxy)methylethoxy]methylether] ether, number average molecular weight 1900 daltons; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (June 22)
• Difenacoum; 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 the registrant to voluntarily cancel its registrations of products containing the pesticide difenacoum. Comments must be received on or before July 16, 2018 (June 14)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before July 16, 2018 (June 14)
• Ortho-Phthalaldehyde; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment -- EPA has received a specific exemption request from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to use the pesticide ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) to treat the coolant fluid of the internal active thermal control system of the International Space Station to control aerobic/microaerophilic bacteria in the aqueous coolant (June 14)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before July 16, 2018 (June 14)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before July 16, 2018 (June 14)
• Extract of Swinglea glutinosa; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for Extract of Swinglea glutinosa in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (June 14)
• Acequinocyl; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of acequinocyl in or on guava and the tropical and subtropical, small fruit, inedible peel, subgroup 24A. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) (June 7)
• Ethoxylated Fatty Acid Methyl Esters; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), [alpha]-(1-oxoalkyl)-[omega]-methoxy-, where the alkyl chain contains a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 18 carbons and the oxyethylene content is 3-13 moles, when used as an inert ingredient (stabilizer and solubilizing agent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest at a concentration not to exceed 25% by weight in the formulation (June 5)
• Alpha-cypermethrin; Pesticide Tolerances -- This regulation amends existing tolerances for residues of alpha-cypermethrin in or on fruit, citrus group 10-10 and hog fat. EPA is modifying these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to correct an error in a previous rulemaking that established these tolerances at an unintended level (June 5)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before July 5, 2018 (June 4)
• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses -- announces EPA's order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an October 3, 2017 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 these product registrations. In the October 3, 2017 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 180-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency received 5 anonymous public comments on the notice but none merited its further review of the requests (June 1) 

May 30, 2018

EPA Workshop in Biddeford, Maine June 6-7 will Help Support Community Revitalization through Local Food Enterprises
Technical experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a workshop in Biddeford, Maine on June 6-7, intended to revitalize downtowns, boost the local economy, improve public health, and protect the environment through local food enterprises.

May 29, 2018

EPA Solicits Proposals for a Cooperative Agreement to Conduct the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs is soliciting applications for a cooperative agreement to run the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), which provides the public with objective, science-based information on pesticide-related subjects. EPA expects to provide up to $1,000,000 annually, depending on the Agency’s budget, for a total of 5 years (2019-2024).

May 25, 2018

EPA's Weekly Report, May 25, 2018
This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a historic national summit to address challenges with PFAS in communities nationwide. Over 200 federal, state, local, and tribal officials joined NGOs, industry representatives, and community organizations to gather valuable information and share best practices for handling PFAS issues and protecting our nation's drinking water. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt unveiled his four-step action plan to ensure EPA thoroughly addresses PFAS. The summit and action plan received bipartisan praise.

On Monday, Mike Stoker was sworn in as the Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. He hit the ground running by meeting with local officials in Hawaii. 

On Wednesday, EPA announced grants awarded to Louisiana to help Gulf coastal restoration, which received widespread praise. 

Following up on President Trump's leadership, EPA provided assistance to 16 local communities through the Local Foods, Local Places program. This action supports local farmers, improves public health, and grows local economies. 

EPA Settles Pesticide Labeling Violations with Three Companies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with three companies involving the alleged improper labeling of pesticides manufactured at the Union Carbide Corp. pesticide production facility in Institute, West Virginia. The settling companies have agreed to ensure that pesticides are appropriately labeled.

May 24, 2018

Trump Administration Announces Assistance to Support Revitalization in various communities through Local Food Enterprises
In support of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined other federal partners in announcing assistance to help 16 communities nationwide to revitalize downtowns, boost the local economy, improve public health, and protect the environment through local food enterprises.

May 23, 2018

EPA Announces Assistance to Support Community Revitalization in Hopewell, Virginia
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined other federal partners in announcing assistance to the Hopewell Downtown Partnership in Hopewell, Virginia, to support its goal of becoming a healthier, more walkable, and bike-able community. The community will explore creating a new kitchen incubator in a downtown building that could help develop new food entrepreneurs and catalyze new businesses to locate in vacant storefronts. They may create a community garden on an adjacent lot to help educate residents and contribute to the area’s revitalization.

EPA Announces Assistance to Support Community Revitalization in Indiana, Pa. through Local Food Enterprises
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined other federal partners in announcing assistance to the Sustainable Economic Development Task Force of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, to further diversify the local economy by creating a plan to help a new co-op in downtown Indiana succeed. The co-op provides access to healthy, locally-produced foods for people at all income levels and improves the local economy by supporting county producers employing sustainable farming methods.

Trump Administration Announces Assistance to Support Community Revitalization through Local Food Enterprises
In support of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined other federal partners in announcing assistance to help 16 communities revitalize downtowns, boost the local economy, improve public health, and protect the environment through local food enterprises. The assistance is provided through Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP), a federal initiative that helps communities reinvest in their neighborhoods and improve quality of life as they develop the local food economy.

May 18, 2018

Information about July 17-20 FIFRA SAP Meeting on Resistance and Bt, Request for Comments on Experts for the Meeting, and June 5 Webcast on the Meeting Charge – On May 17, 2018, the Agency published a Federal Register notice announcing the location of the July 17-20, 2018, in-person meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to consider and review “Resistance of Lepidopteran Pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant Incorporated Plants in the U.S.” The meeting will be held in the Rosslyn Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209. Please refer to the March 5, 2018 Federal Register notice for additional information.

May 15, 2018

EPA Extends Comment Period for the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Biological Opinion on Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, and Malathion
In response to numerous requests, EPA is extending the public comment period on the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Biological Opinion on chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion. Please submit comments by July 23, 2018, to the docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0141 at regulations.gov. EPA will share all public comments received on this Biological Opinion with NMFS, and EPA will evaluate them before determining how to proceed.

May 11, 2018

Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse Named to National EPA Advisory Committee
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the appointment of Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse of Dover, Del., to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). The 33-member LGAC helps EPA develop strong partnerships with local governments to provide more efficient and effective environmental protection at the community, state, and federal level.

May 10, 2018

EPA Reopens Public Comment Period on Application for Experimental Use Permit to Combat Mosquitoes
In response to requests from stakeholders, EPA is reopening the public comment period regarding an application from Oxitec Ltd. for an experimental use permit (EUP) for genetically engineered OX513A Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

May 1, 2018

Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Meeting May 2-3, 2018
EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs will hold a public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Thursday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be held in EPA’s first floor conference center at One Potomac Yard South, 2777 South Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.

May 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations -- EPA has granted emergency exemptions, and State agencies have declared crisis exemptions, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for the use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted or declared during the period of October 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 to control emergency pest outbreaks (May 31)
• Defensin Proteins Derived From Spinach in Citrus Plants; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the spinach defensin proteins SoD2, SoD2*, SoD7, and SoD8 in or on citrus when used as plant-incorporated-protectants (May 31)
• Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decisions for the following pesticides: Acibenzolar, Aspergillus flavus, Asulam, Bacillus licheniformus, Chloroxylenol, Coumaphos, Dried fermentation solids and Dolubles of Myrothecium verrucaria, EPTC (S-Ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate), Ethylene, Fenhexamid, Fludioxonil, Formic acid, Methyl nonyl ketone, N\6\-Benzyladenine, Niclosamide, Potassium silicate, Propamocarb hydrochloride, Putrescent whole egg solids, Sodium carbonate, and TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol). Comments must be received on or before July 23, 2018 (May 24)
• Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's draft human health and ecological risk assessments for the registration review of acephate, biobor, diflubenzuron, prohexadione calcium, pyridaben, thiobencarb, and zinc borate. It also announces the availability of EPA's draft human health risk assessment for the registration review of flumethrin. Comments must be received on or before July 23, 2018 (May 24)
• Pydiflumetofen; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of pydiflumetofen in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (May 24)
• Clopyralid; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of clopyralid in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. In addition, it removes certain previously established tolerances that are superseded by this final rule (May 23)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before June 20, 2018 (May 18)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before June 18, 2018 (May 17)
• FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Notice of 4-Day In-Person Meeting Location; Notice of Public Preparatory Webcast Meeting; Request for Comments on Prospective Candidate Ad Hoc Reviewers; Extension of Written Comment Periods -- The July 17-20, 2018, in-person meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to consider and review Resistance of Lepidopteran Pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant Incorporated Plants in the U.S will be held in the Rosslyn Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209. For additional information on this in-person meeting, please refer to the March 5, 2018 Federal Register (FRL-9971-35). There will be a 2-hour preparatory webcast meeting on June 5, 2018 to consider and review the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions before the July 17-20, 2018 meeting (May 17)
• Pyroxasulfone; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of pyroxasulfone and its metabolites in or on vegetable, tuberous and corm, subgroup 1C; vegetable, bulb, group 3-07; and potatoes, granules/flakes (May 17)
• Tebuconazole; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of tebuconazole in or on ginseng, fresh at 0.15 parts per million (ppm) and ginseng, dried at 0.40 ppm (May 16)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities; Correction -- EPA issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register of March 21, 2018, concerning a Notice of filing--Amended Tolerance Exemptions for Inerts (Except PIPS). This document corrects the Company name and address (May 15)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities; Correction -- EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of March 21, 2018, concerning a Notice of filing--New Tolerance Exemptions for Inerts (except PIPs). This document corrects a typographical error (May 15)
• Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Reopening of Comment Period -- EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of March 9, 2018, concerning receipt of an application requesting an experimental use permit for the OX513A Aedes aegypti mosquitoes expressing tetracycline Trans-Activator Variant protein (May 8)
• Dinotefuran; Receipt of Applications for Emergency Exemptions, Solicitation of Public Comment -- EPA has received specific exemption requests from the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to use the insecticide dinotefuran to treat up to 58,118 acres of pome and stone fruits to control the brown marmorated stinkbug (May 7)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Diquat in or on Crop Group 6C, Dried Shelled Pea and Bean (Except Soybean); Correction -- EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of September 15, 2017, announcing the initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities (May 7)
• Konjac Glucomannan; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of konjac glucomannan when used as an inert ingredient on growing crops only at a concentration not to exceed 1% by weight in a pesticide formulation (May 7)
• Duddingtonia flagrans strain IAH 1297; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance --  establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Duddingtonia flagrans strain IAH 1297 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (May 7)
• Interim Registration Review Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's interim registration review decision for the following chemicals: BT corn coleopteran PIP, BT corn lepidopteran PIP, clodinafop-propargyl, cyprodinil, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DGME), dimethomorph, fomesafen, metalaxyl/mefenoxam, methoxyfenozide, mineral acids, nitrapyrin, noviflumuron, pendimethalin, potassium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite, and verbenone. It also announces the case closures for boll weevil attractant and octanoate esters, because the last U.S. registrations for these pesticides have been canceled (May 1)

April 24, 2018

Updated Pesticide Label Review Manual Chapters Now Available
EPA has updated Chapters 3, 7 and 17 of the Pesticide Label Review Manual. This manual for EPA label reviewers helps EPA’s stakeholders understand the pesticide labeling process and how labels should be drafted.

April 23, 2018

U.S. EPA announces $389,000 for environmental projects along the Arizona/Sonora border
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $389,155 in grants to fund seven environmental projects in Arizona and Sonora, along the U.S.-Mexico border. The projects are designed to reduce emissions and wait times at ports of entry, increase waste diversion and composting and improve emergency response capacity. The funds will be matched by an additional $183,630 from the recipient organizations.

April 21, 2018

EPA Region 7 Administrator Participates in KCMO Arbor Day Celebration, Recognizes Giving Grove Environmental Justice Project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 administrator recognized the Environmental Justice Small Grant Giving Grove project at the city of Kansas City, Missouri’s annual Arbor Day celebration today at the Loose Park Garden Center.

April 20, 2018

EPA to Hold Two Webinars to Help Communities Improve Mosquito Management
Mosquito season is almost upon us. EPA is hosting two webinars about how integrated pest management technology can assist with mosquito management in your community.

April 18, 2018

EPA Extends Comment Period for Meeting Materials and Opens Comment Period for Candidates being Considered to Serve as Ad Hoc Members for the May 8-10, 2018, FIFRA SAP Meeting
The Agency is extending the written public comment period for all docketed peer review materials, including the charge questions, for the May 8-10 Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP), to April 25, 2018. See docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0693. In addition, EPA is seeking comments on the experts who are candidates to serve as ad hoc panelists for this meeting. Comments are due April 25, 2018.  The candidate list, including brief biographies, can be found on the SAP website (www.epa.gov/sap).

April 13, 2018

Upcoming Environmental Modeling in Ground Water Public Meeting
On May 23, 2018, EPA will hold an Environmental Modeling Public Meeting (EMPM). This meeting provides a public forum for pesticide registrants, other stakeholders and EPA to discuss current issues related to modeling pesticide fate, transport, and exposure for pesticide risk assessments in a regulatory context. Additionally, this meeting will provide a forum for presentations on methods for assessing pesticide monitoring data in surface waters.

New Cooperative Agreement Supports Training for Healthcare Providers on Pesticide-Related Health Conditions
EPA has awarded a cooperative agreement, Pesticide Education for Medical Professionals, to the University of California Davis Extension to educate the medical community on how to prevent, recognize and treat pesticide-related health conditions.

April 12, 2018

EPA Extends Comment Period for Draft Label Revisions on Respirators
EPA is extending the public comment period on revised respirator descriptions for pesticide labels. Please submit comments by June 11, 2018, to opprespiratortable@epa.gov.

April 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Chlormequat Chloride; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of chlormequat chloride in or on multiple commodities (April 25)
• Bacillus subtilis -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus subtilis strain FMCH002 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (April 20)
• Bacillus Licheniformis -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus licheniformis strain FMCH001 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (April 20)
• Tetraconazole; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of tetraconazole in or on multiple commodities (April 16)
• Product Cancellation Orders: Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses; Correction -- EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of December 26, 2017, concerning the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency. This document is being issued to correct the cancellation order in Section IV as the entries in Tables 1B were not administered correctly. The Federal Register of October 3, 2017, announcing the request to voluntarily cancel pesticide registrations specified that the cancellations of products listed in Table 1B will be effective December 31, 2020 (April 13)
• Pesticide Maintenance Fee: Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations -- 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 III., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The cancellations are effective April 13, 2018 (April 13) 
• Sulfentrazone; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of sulfentrazone in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (April 13)
• Fluensulfone; Pesticide Tolerances -- This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluensulfone in or on multiple commodities (April 13)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before May 14, 2018 (April 12)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before May 14, 2018 (April 12)
• Clethodim; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of clethodim in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document (April 12) 
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities (April 11)

March 23, 2018

Administrator Pruitt Meets with More Than 400 Farmers and Ranchers from Five States During National Agriculture Week
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt met with over 400 farmers and ranchers from Texas, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Georgia, and Pennsylvania during 2018 National Agriculture Week.

EPA Opens Comment Period on NMFS’s Assessment on Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, and Malathion
EPA is seeking comment on the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS’s) Biological Opinion (BiOp) for the pesticides chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion. EPA is asking for input from stakeholders on NMFS’s jeopardy findings, Reasonable and Prudent Measures (RPMs), and Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs), and is soliciting additional information.

EPA Announces Draft Pesticide Label Revisions on Respirators to Ensure Consistency between EPA and NIOSH
EPA is requesting public comment on revised respirator descriptions for pesticide labels.

EPA Updates Method for Establishing Economic Minor Use
EPA has updated and clarified the criteria for classifying a particular pesticide use on a crop or other use (for example a public health use) as a “minor use.”  FIFRA defines a minor use as one that does not provide “sufficient economic incentive” for pesticide companies (i.e., registrants) to register or keep their products registered for certain uses.  In some cases, this update would broaden the definition of minor use for specific pesticides, providing more opportunities for incentives to register pesticides for minor uses.

March 22, 2018

EPA Awards $15,000 to University of Delaware to Develop Fashion from Fungi
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it is awarding a $15,000 grant to the University of Delaware to develop mushroom mycelium based biocomposites for fashion products.

U.S. EPA awards grant to U.C. Davis for innovative technology project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $14,998 grant to students at the University of California, Davis to study whether beetle larvae can help reduce polystyrene waste. The grant, awarded through the People Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) program, was one of 31 awarded nationwide totaling $463,000. The P3 program supports student teams in developing sustainable technologies to solve current environmental and public health challenges.

EPA Awards Grant to Loyola University Chicago for Innovative Technology Project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $15,000 for a Phase I student team from Loyola University Chicago through the People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) grants program. Loyola University Chicago’s P3 project will advance its sustainability goals, which include creating a zero-waste and carbon-neutral urban campus by 2025, by producing renewable energy from organic solid waste and thereby reducing carbon emissions. An interdisciplinary team of students and faculty will bring their unique expertise on energy innovation, economics, and pollution reduction potential to the project, in a collaborative effort to solve this sustainability challenge.

EPA Awards $15,000 in Grants to the University of Kentucky for an Innovative Technology Project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the University of Kentucky would receive a $15,000 grant to fund a Phase I student team through the People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) grants program. Over $463,000 in funding is being provided by the program for 31 teams nationwide that are developing sustainable technologies to solve current environmental and public health challenges. The University of Kentucky student team will use the funding to design and construct a prototype wind harnessing system from low cost materials that dries grain quickly. By reducing the drying time, student researchers seek to inhibit the growth of molds known to produce the poisonous carcinogen aflatoxin that causes stunting in children, which is prevalent in developing countries.

EPA Awards Grant to Purdue University for Innovative Technology Project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $15,000 for a Phase I student team from Purdue University through the People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) grants program. The P3 team from Purdue University in West Lafayette proposes to design a self-powered system for the healthy storage of harvested grains during the annual rain season in rural Africa.

March 20, 2018

EPA Settles with Dole Food Company to Close Illegal Cesspools
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a settlement with Dole Food Co. Inc. for failing to close two large-capacity cesspools (LCC) at its Puuiki Beach Park property on Oahu.

March 19, 2018

U.S. EPA fines Terminix $168,000 for misuse of pesticide products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $168,535 fine against Terminix International Co. for misusing three different restricted-use fumigant pesticides, at four separate locations on Kauai.

March 16, 2018

EPA's Weekly Report, March 16, 2018
From discussing cleaning-up Superfunds and streamlining permitting processes for America’s job creators, to speaking at the Oklahoma Youth Expo and visiting EPA’s Region 6 headquarters, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt continued to advance President Trump’s environmental agenda.

LANCASTER FARMING: EPA Leader Seeks Better Communication
New top EPA official wants farmers to feel more comfortable interacting with the agency.

March 14, 2018

Administrator Pruitt Addresses Over 300 Farmers and State Agriculture Leaders from Across the Country
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt addressed over 300 members of the Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Alabama Farm Bureaus earlier today.

March 13, 2018

U.S. EPA awards $600,000 to help two California small businesses develop environmental technologies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a combined $600,000 in funding for Microvi Biotech Inc., of Hayward, Calif., and Hi-Z Technology Inc., of San Diego, Calif., to develop technologies that provide solutions for environmental issues. A total of $1.8 million was awarded to six small businesses nationwide.

March 8, 2018

Guidance on Placement of First Aid Statements on Pesticide Labels
EPA’s priority is the safe use of pesticide products, while ensuring that registrant requirements remain reasonable.

March 6, 2018

EPA Requests Nominations for Experts to Serve on the July 17-20, 2018 FIFRA SAP Panel on Resistance in Lepidopteran Pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant Incorporated Protectants
On March 5, 2018, the Agency published a Federal Register notice (FRN) requesting nominations of experts to serve as ad hoc members on the July 17-20, 2018 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) Panel meeting to consider and review resistance in Lepidopteran Pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant Incorporated Protectants in the U.S.

March 5, 2018

FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Notice of Public Meeting and Request for Nomination of Ad Hoc Expert Members
There will be a 4-day, in-person meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to consider and review the Resistance of Lepidopteran Pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant Incorporated Protectants in The United States: EPA's Analysis of Scientific Uncertainties Related to Resistance Management and Options to Enhance the Current Insect Resistance Management Program.

March 2, 2018

Public Comment Period Open for Glyphosate Draft Risk Assessments
EPA has opened the 60-day public comment period for the draft glyphosate human health and ecological risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30, 2018.

March 1, 2018

FIFRA SAP Minutes and Final Reports for November 2017 Meetings on Alternative High-Throughput Screens to Determine Endocrine Disruption Now Available on the Web
The minutes and final reports for the November 6, 2017, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) virtual preparatory meeting and the November 28-29, 2017, face-to-face meeting regarding the "Continuing Development of Alternative High-Throughput Screens to Determine Endocrine Disruption, Focusing on Androgen Receptor, Steroidogenesis, and Thyroid Pathways," are now available.

Federal Partnership Kicks Off Next Phase of Water Quality Challenge
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with four federal partners launched the next phase of a technology-accelerating water quality challenge calling for demonstrated use of nutrient pollution sensors. Nutrient pollution is a widespread water quality challenge in the United States and is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. By demonstrating there are successful strategies for incorporating nutrient sensors into existing water monitoring and nutrient management efforts, the Challenge can help states and communities overcome the major barriers to measuring and reducing this pollution.

March 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• N,N-Dimethyl 9-Decenamide; N,N-Dimethyldodecanamide; N,N-Dimethyltetradecanamide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide when used as inert ingredients (surfactant, solvent) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest, with a limitation that the concentration of the inert ingredient is at a concentration not to exceed 20% by weight in a pesticide formulation (March 30)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before April 23, 2018 (March 22)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before April 23, 2018 (March 22)
• Pesticides; Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on the Determination of Minor Use -- The Agency is announcing the availability of a Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) entitled, “Determination of Minor Use under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Section 2(ll).” This PR Notice was signed by the Agency on March 7, 2018 and is identified as PR Notice 2018-1. 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 (March 21)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before April 20, 2018 (March 21)
• S-Metolachlor; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of S-metolachlor in or on sugarcane, cane and sugarcane molasses (March 21)
• Flutianil; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of flutianil in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document and an exemption for indirect or inadvertent residues of flutianil on other crops rotated into fields previously treated with flutianil (March 21)
• Aluminum tris (O-ethylphosphonate); Pesticide Tolerances -- amends a tolerance for residues of aluminum tris (O-ethylphosphonate) in or on Fruit, citrus, group 10. Fosetyl-al is the common name for aluminum tris (O-ethylphosphonate) (March 21)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for Pyroxasulfone New Uses -- EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered pyroxasulfone. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. Comments must be received on or before April 16, 2018 (March 15)
• 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 May 2-3, 2018. This meeting provides advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on issues associated with pesticide regulatory development and reform initiatives, evolving public policy and program implementation issues, and science issues associated with evaluating and reducing risks from use of pesticides. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 9 a.m. to noon (March 15)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pyroxasulfone in or on Various Commodities -- 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. Comments must be received on or before April 16, 2018 (March 15)
• Trinexapac-ethyl; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes a tolerance for residues of trinexapac-ethyl in or on poppy, seed (March 15)
• Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request -- announces EPA's receipt of an application 93167-EUP-R from Oxitec Ltd. requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for the OX513A Aedes aegypti mosquitoes expressing tetracycline Trans-Activator Variant (tTAV) protein (March 9)
• Fluopicolide; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of fluopicolide in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. In addition, this regulation removes several previously established tolerances that are superseded by this final rule (March 7)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- 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. Comments must be received on or before April 5, 2018 (March 6)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before April 5, 2018 (March 6)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before April 5, 2018 (March 6)
• Kasugamycin; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of kasugamycin in or on the cherry subgroup 12-12A and walnut (March 6)
• Lipochitooligosaccharide (LCO) SP104; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for lipochitooligosaccharide (LCO) SP104 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices (March 6)
• FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Notice of Public Meeting and Request for Nomination of Ad Hoc Expert Members -- There will be a 4-day, in-person meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to consider and review the Resistance of Lepidopteran Pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant Incorporated Protectants in The United States: EPA's Analysis of Scientific Uncertainties Related to Resistance Management and Options to Enhance the Current Insect Resistance Management Program (March 5)
• Methyl Bromide; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions -- establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of the fumigant methyl bromide, including its metabolites and degradates in or on post-harvest imported/domestic agricultural commodities (March 1)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- 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 1)

February 28, 2018

Final OCSPP Product Performance Test Guidelines for Antimicrobial Pesticides Series 810.2000-2200
EPA announces the availability of final test guidelines for “Series 810 – Product Performance Test Guidelines: Group B – Antimicrobial Efficacy Test Guidelines,” which provide recommendations for the design and execution of laboratory studies to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial pesticides that work against public health microbial pests.

February 26, 2018

EPA Awards $25K to Mississippi State University for Rural Voices Radio: Voices Along the Gulf
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Program announced a $24,925 award to Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute at Mississippi State University (MSU) to work with students to develop environmental content for Rural Voices Radio: Voices Along the Gulf. The award will support two school groups, Bay-Waveland Middle School in Bay St. Louis and Stone High School in Wiggins, and one non-profit organization, the Hancock County Historical Society.

February 20, 2018

Register for the Spray Drift Management Webinar
On March 15, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET, EPA will offer a Strategies for Managing Pesticide Spray Drift Webinar. This webinar is tailored for growers, pesticide applicators, and other interested stakeholders who work with pesticides and pesticide application equipment.

February 15, 2018

EPA Settles with Amazon for Distributions of Illegal Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement with Amazon Services LLC to protect the public from the hazards posed by unregistered and misbranded pesticide products. The agreement settles allegations that Amazon committed nearly four thousand violations of the “Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act” – dating back to 2013 – for selling and distributing imported pesticide products that were not licensed for sale in the United States.

EPA Extends Comment Period for Neonicotinoid Risk Assessments
At the request of stakeholders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for recently released neonicotinoid insecticide risk assessments from February 20, 2018, to April 21, 2018. The Agency published preliminary ecological and human health risk assessments in December 2017 for the neonicotinoid insecticides, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran, and a preliminary ecological risk assessment for imidacloprid (assessing risks to birds, mammals, non-target insects, and plants).

February 12, 2018

U.S. EPA Awards More Than $90,000 to Protect Children’s Health along the U.S.-Mexico Border
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded more than $90,000 to two Texas universities for projects aiming to protect children in US-Mexico border communities from environmental hazards. Texas A&M University School of Public Health received $45,000, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center received $46,169.

EPA reaches agreement with Syngenta for farmworker safety violations on Kauai
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement today with Syngenta Seeds, LLC, to resolve violations of federal pesticide regulations at its farm in Kekaha, Kauai.

February 5, 2018

EPA provides $1.3 million to states for diesel reduction efforts
Clean diesel projects throughout the Northwest and Alaska are receiving a $1.3 million boost from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants from its Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program.

February 2, 2018

EPA Administrator Pruitt Talks Environmental Outcomes in the State of Florida
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt traveled to Florida and met with stakeholders to discuss environmental goals and protections. “The Sunshine State is a vital provider of American agriculture, energy and manufacturing, and it’s essential we hear directly from rural Floridians,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “Today’s dialogue is particularly important as we focus on cooperation with our state and local partners to provide regulatory certainty and real, lasting results for the American people.”

EPA's Weekly Report, February 2, 2018
From a monumental State of the Union Address, to a historic decision on the West Lake Superfund site, to a speech at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, to a meeting with the Florida Farm Bureau, and an in-depth interview on The New York Times’ The Daily podcast it was a week of action at the EPA. 

February 1, 2018

Reduced Residue Chemistry Data Requirements for Seed-Treatment Uses
EPA, in collaboration with the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), analyzed seed-treatment residue data that have been submitted to EPA and PMRA. The analysis showed that the data required to support registration could be substantially reduced and still be protective of human health.

February 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before March 30, 2018 (February 28)
• Titanium Dioxide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of titanium dioxide in pre-harvest crops when used as an inert ingredient (colorant) at a concentration of not more than 45% in foliar applications of pesticide formulations containing anthraquinone (February 28)
• Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's draft human health and ecological risk assessments for the registration review of acetamiprid, acibenzolar, ametryn, ammonia/ammonium sulfate, butralin, glyphosate, naphthenate salts, prometon, pyrithiobac-sodium, and pymetrozine. It also announces the availability of EPA's draft human health risk assessment for the registration review of cypermethrin. Comments must be received on or before April 30, 2018 (February 27)
• Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decisions for the following pesticides: Quinoxyfen and sucrose. Comments must be received on or before April 30, 2018 (February 27)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products (February 27)
• Interim Registration Review Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability -- announces the availability of EPA's interim registration review decision for the following chemicals: Aldicarb, aliphatic esters, atonik plant growth regulators, bromuconazole, carfentrazone-ethyl, cyclanilide, ethephon, flumiclorac-pentyl, hexazinone, hymexazol, menthol, mepiquat chloride/mepiquat pentaborate, metaflumizone, and propylene glycol/dipropylene glycol/triethylene glycol (February 27)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities (February 27)
• Quizalofop ethyl; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of quizalofop ethyl in or on the commodities wheat germ and milled byproducts, and increases the tolerances in or on wheat forage, hay, and straw (February 23)
• Indaziflam; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions -- establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of indaziflam in or on rangeland, pastures, and areas subject to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). 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 in or on grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, forage and grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, hay, grown in rangeland, pastures, and areas subject to the CRP (February 23)
• Methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (Alpha Methyl Mannoside); Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the biochemical methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (alpha methyl mannoside) in or on all raw agricultural commodities when applied/used as a plant growth regulator (February 22)
• Quizalofop ethyl; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of quizalofop ethyl in or on field corn forage, grain, and stover (February 20)
• Pendimethalin; Pesticide Tolerances -- amends the tolerances for residues of pendimethalin in or on alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay (February 16)
• Rimsulfuron; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances, including tolerances with regional registration, for residues of rimsulfuron in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document (February 12)
• Zoxamide; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of zoxamide in or on banana (February 9)
• Cyflufenamid; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of cyflufenamid in or on cherry crop subgroup 12-12A, hops dried cones, and fruiting vegetable crop group 8-10; and amends the tolerance for cucurbit vegetable crop group 9 (February 9)
• Fomesafen; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of fomesafen in or on the tuberous and corm vegetable subgroup 1C, the legume vegetable group 6, and the low growing berry subgroup 13-07G (except cranberry) (February 7)
• Isoxaben; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of isoxaben in or on apple, the bushberry subgroup 13-07B, the tree nut group 14-12, and the small vine climbing fruit (except fuzzy kiwifruit) subgroup 13-07F (February 7)
• Dicloran (DCNA); Amendments To Terminate Uses for Certain Pesticide Registrations -- announces EPA's final order for the amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, of products containing dicloran (DCNA), pursuant to section 6(f)(1) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended (February 1)

January 31, 2018

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Signs Endangered Species Act Memorandum with State Agriculture Commissioners
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt spoke at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Winter Policy Conference and signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing an interagency Working Group to evaluate and improve the Endangered Species Act consultation process for pesticide registration.

EPA and Army Finalize "Waters of the United States" Applicability Date
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (Army) have finalized a rule adding an applicability date to the 2015 Clean Water Rule (the 2015 Rule). This rule provides clarity and certainty about which definition of "waters of the United States" is applicable nationwide in response to judicial actions that could result in confusion. The new applicability date will be two years after today’s action is published in the Federal Register, during which time both agencies will continue the process of reconsidering the 2015 Rule.

January 30, 2018

EPA awards Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants for clean air projects in California
As part of the West Coast Collaborative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $7,076,382 in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants to California to curb harmful pollution from large diesel sources, such as trucks, buses, and agriculture equipment.

EPA awards Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants for clean air projects in Arizona
As part of the West Coast Collaborative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1,064,324 in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants to Arizona to curb harmful pollution from large diesel sources, such as trucks, buses, and agriculture equipment.

EPA awards Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant for clean air project in Nevada
As part of the West Coast Collaborative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $348,002 Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant to Nevada to curb harmful pollution from large diesel sources, such as trucks, buses, and agriculture equipment.

EPA awards Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant for clean air project in American Samoa
As part of the West Coast Collaborative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $82,960 in a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant to American Samoa to curb harmful pollution from large diesel sources, such as trucks, buses, and agriculture equipment.

EPA awards Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant for clean air project in Guam
As part of the West Coast Collaborative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $83,637 in a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant to Guam to curb harmful pollution from large diesel sources, such as trucks, buses, and agriculture equipment.

EPA awards Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant for clean air project in Hawaii
As part of the West Coast Collaborative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $339,263 in a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant to Hawaii to curb harmful pollution from large diesel sources, such as trucks, buses, and agriculture equipment.

January 26, 2018

EPA Requests Nominations for Experts to Serve on the May 8-10, 2018 FIFRA SAP on Efficacy Testing of Pesticides used for Invertebrate Pests and Fire Ants
On January 26, 2018, the Agency published a Federal Register notice requesting nominations of experts to serve as ad hoc members for the May 8-10, 2018 FIFRA SAP meeting to consider and review methods for efficacy testing of pesticides used for treatments of invertebrate pests and fire ants.

EPA Accepting Public Comments on Nominees for the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP)
On January 26, 2018, EPA published a Federal Register notice (FRN) providing the names addresses, and professional affiliations of recent nominees by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation for service on the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel established under section 25(d) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.　 Brief biographical sketches for the nominees are posted to the EPA website at www.epa.gov/sap. The Agency, at this time, anticipates selecting four of these individuals for new members to serve on the panel as a result of membership terms that will expire in 2018.

FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Notice of Public Meeting and Nominations of Ad Hoc Panel Members
There will be a 3-day in-person meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to consider and review Methods for Efficacy Testing of Premises and Soil Treatment for Fire Ant Pesticides. There will also be a 3-hour preparatory virtual meeting of the FIFRA SAP to be conducted via webcast using Adobe Connect and telephone conferencing.

January 24, 2018

EPA awards $10.7 million to American Samoa for environmental protection
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $2.3 million to the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) to strengthen its capacity to protect human health and the environment, while the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) has been awarded $8.4 million for water infrastructure projects.

January 17, 2018

U.S. EPA Selects Three California Sites for the Superfund Redevelopment Focus List
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its initial list of Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) sites with the greatest expected redevelopment and commercial potential. Three Superfund sites were selected in California: Aerojet General Corp., in Rancho Cordova, MGM Brakes in Cloverdale, and Operating Industries Inc. Landfill in Monterey Park.

CERCLA and EPCRA Air Emissions from Agriculture
Due to a recent court decision, farms (including ranches, livestock operations and/or animal operations) will soon be required to report hazardous substance air releases from animal waste under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) when they release hazardous substances from animal waste in amounts greater than/equal to their reportable quantity within a 24-hour period. The purpose of these fact sheets and FAQs is to provide an overview and basic information for those who are impacted by this new requirement.

If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Protection Agency via the information provided below:

• Visit CERCLA and EPCRA Reporting Requirements for Air Releases of Hazardous Substances from Animal Waste at Farms for guidance and access to the continuous release reporting forms
• Email comments or suggestions on guidance materials to: CERCLA103.guidance@epa.gov
• Regional Contacts: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/epcra-regional-contacts
• Call with questions: 1-800-424-9346

January 12, 2018

EPA Hurricane Maria Update for January 12, 2018: EPA Ensures Proper Disposal of 65,000 Containers of Hazardous Household Waste in Puerto Rico
Continuing its Hurricane Maria response efforts, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency is collecting, each day, more than 1,000 containers of hazardous household materials, orphan containers, white goods and e-waste items in Puerto Rico.  To date, 65,000 containers have been collected in Puerto Rico, keeping these hazardous materials out of the environment and protecting people’s health.

January 9, 2018

U.S. EPA announces $3 million available for locally focused environmental education grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of up to $3 million in grant funding for locally focused environmental education projects under the 2018 EE Local Grant Program. EPA will award up to 35 grants nationwide, each between $50,000 and $100,000.

USDA Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Release Recommendations to Revitalize Rural America
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity released its report to President Trump outlining recommendations to promote agriculture, economic development, job growth, infrastructure improvements, technological innovation, energy security and quality of life in rural America. As a member of the Task Force, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays an important role in revitalizing rural America.

January 4, 2018

EPA awards $681,343 to Ohio State University for research to improve water quality in ecosystems
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $681,343 to The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, for innovative research on the prediction, prevention, control and mitigation of freshwater harmful algal blooms.

January 2018 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses -- 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. Comments must be received on or before February 26, 2018 (January 26)
• FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Nominations to the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Request for Comments -- provides the names, addresses, and professional affiliations of persons recently nominated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to serve on the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) established under section 25(d) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (January 26)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities -- announces the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities (January 26)
• Bacillus thuringiensis Cry51Aa2.834_16; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Cry51Aa2.834_16 protein derived from Bacillus thuringiensis in or on cotton, when used as a plant-incorporated protectant (January 26)
• Difenoconazole; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of difenoconazole in or on multiple commodities (January 26)
• Flonicamid; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions -- establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of flonicamid in or on prickly pear, fruit and prickly pear, pads. 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 prickly pear, fruit and prickly pear, pads. This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for residues of flonicamid in or on these commodities. The time-limited tolerances expire on December 31, 2020 (January 26)
• Chlorfenapyr; Pesticide Tolerances -- establishes tolerances for residues of chlorfenapyr, 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(ethoxymethyl)-5-(trifluromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, in or on tea, dried (January 26)
• Calcium Salts of Phosphorous Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for the calcium salts of phosphorous acid (January 26)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients -- EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products (January 5)
• Phenylethyl acetate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance -- establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of phenylethyl acetate when used as an inert ingredient (solvent) at a maximum of 0.015% in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest (January 2)