Agriculture News 2020

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

December 8, 2020

EPA Issues Draft Guidance Clarifying Wastewater Permit Requirements Under Maui Decision
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced draft guidance that clarifies how the Supreme Court’s County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund decision should be applied under the Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. This guidance will help clarify when a NPDES permit is necessary under the Clean Water Act.

December 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Sethoxydim; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of sethoxydim in or on basil, dried leaves and basil, fresh leaves. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (December 3)

• Adipic Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Adipic acid when used as an inert ingredient in antimicrobial pesticide formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils at an end-use concentration not to exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). Ecolab, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for adipic acid. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of adipic acid when used in accordance with this exemption. (December 3)

• Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Pesticides; Proposal of Pesticide Product Performance Data Requirements for Products Claiming Efficacy Against Certain Invertebrate Pests
  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 ‘‘Pesticide Product Performance Data Requirements for Products Claiming Efficacy Against Certain Invertebrate Pests.’’ The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available by EPA. (December 4)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (November 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register a new use for a pesticide product containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (December 7)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decision for Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim registration review decision for chlorpyrifos and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decision, revised draft human health risk assessment and ecological risk assessment for chlorpyrifos. (December 7)

• EPA settles with Qantas Airways for importing unregistered disinfectant products in Honolulu and Los Angeles
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Qantas Airways for violations of federal pesticide law. The company, based in Australia with business operations in Honolulu and Los Angeles, illegally imported into the United States multiple shipments of an unregistered product intended to disinfect drinking water. The airline also failed to notify EPA of a shipment of a cleaning disinfectant. The company has agreed to pay a $100,000 civil penalty. (December 15)

• Broflanilide; 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 broflanilide (CAS No. 1207727–04–5) to treat an amount of spring wheat seed sufficient to plant up to 206,000 acres to control wireworms. The applicant proposes the use of a new chemical which has not been registered by EPA. (December 15)

• Broflanilide; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of broflanilide in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. BASF Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (December 17)

• 2,4-D; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 2,4-D in or on intermediate wheatgrass bran, forage, grain, and straw and sesame seed. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (December 21)

• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (October 2020)
  This document 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. (December 21)

• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide; Amendment
  EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of April 13, 2018, concerning the cancellations voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency but that have not yet become effective. This notice is being issued to amend the cancellation order, as supported by the current registrant and requested by a distributor, by extending the effective date of the cancellation for the two spirodiclofen registrations (EPA Registration No. 264– 830 and 264–831). (December 21)

• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (November 2020)
  This document 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. (December 23)

• Atrazine, Simazine, and Propazine Registration Review; Draft Endangered Species Act Biological Evaluations; Extension of Comment Period
  EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of November 6, 2020, opening a 60-day comment period on the draft nationwide biological evaluations for the registration review of the pesticides atrazine, simazine, and propazine relative to the potential effects on threatened and endangered species and their designated critical habitats. This document extends the comment period for 45 days, from January 5, 2021 to February 19, 2021. (December 30)

• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations of Tetrachlorvinphos
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit II., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an August 6, 2020 Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Request from the registrant listed in Table 2 of Unit II. to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the August 6, 2020 notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrant withdrew their request. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrant did not withdraw their request. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (December 30)

• Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Submission of Unreasonable Adverse Effects Information Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Section 6(a)(2) (Renewal)
  The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Submission of Unreasonable Adverse Effects under FIFRA Section 6(a)(2) (EPA ICR Number 1204.14, OMB Control Number 2070– 0039) 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 February 28, 2021. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on August 17, 2020 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. (December 31)

November 20, 2020

Administrator Wheeler Wraps Up Visit to Arkansas Meeting with Agriculture Partners
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler wrapped up his visit to Arkansas announcing more than $3 million to protect water quality, meeting with farmers, and touring a Grand Prairie Farming and Water Company, LLC pump project.

November 18, 2020

U.S. EPA to Support Farmworker Safety Training in the Pacific Southwest Through Funding National Farmworker Programs Association
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pacific Southwest Regional Office is excited to promote farmworker safety through new support for the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), which will receive up to $500,000 annually to conduct pesticide safety training over the next five years. With EPA funding, AFOP will administer this grant to provide occupational health and safety trainings to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in more than 25 states including Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada.

EPA Awards $2.5 Million to the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs for Farmworker Pesticide Training
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) to receive up to $500,000 annually to conduct pesticide safety training across the country over the next five years. With EPA funding, AFOP will administer this grant to provide occupational health and safety trainings to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in more than 25 states through a network of over 200 trainers.

November 12, 2020

Trump Administration Welcomes Two New Members as U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the addition of UNFI, a North America Food wholesaler, and Meijer, an American supercenter chain throughout the Midwest, to the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions. Champions are U.S. businesses and organizations who pledge to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations by 50 percent by the year 2030. The commitment and action of these businesses will help the U.S. move closer to the national goal, protect and save valuable resources, and improve food system efficiencies while reducing waste.

November 10, 2020

EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Commissioner Nikki Fried of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to establish collaborative efforts and foster relationships between agencies.

November 9, 2020

EPA, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Enter into First-Time MOU to Advance Engagement with Agriculture Community
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a first-time Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy (Innovation Center), furthering the Trump Administration’s focus on engaging with agriculture communities to support better environmental outcomes. “The EPA is proud of the work it’s done to rebuild relationships with the agricultural community during the Trump Administration, and this MOU will help boost cooperation and environmental outcomes for the U.S. dairy industry,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

November 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• EPA Orders Rising Biosciences in Sandusky, Ohio, to Stop Selling Pesticide
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a “Stop Sale” order to Rising Biosciences, Inc. (doing business as “Oxi-Thyme, Inc.”) in Sandusky, Ohio, to immediately halt the sale or distribution of a pesticide product, “Oxy Blast 50 Hydrogen Peroxide Solution.” (November 2)  
• Pesticides; Proposal To Add Chitosan to the List of Active Ingredients Permitted in Exempted Minimum Risk Pesticide Products
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add the substance commonly referred to as chitosan (also known by its chemical name: poly-D-glucosamine) (CAS Reg. No. 9012–76–4) to the list of active ingredients allowed in minimum risk pesticide products exempt from registration and other requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Tidal Vision Products, LLC submitted a petition to EPA requesting that chitosan be added to both the lists of active and inert ingredients allowed in exempted minimum risk pesticide products. At this time, EPA is deferring a decision on whether to add chitosan to the list of allowable inert ingredients. (November 2)
• Dipropylene Glycol and Triethylene Glycol; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is exempting residues of the antimicrobial pesticide ingredients dipropylene glycol and triethylene glycol from the requirement of a tolerance when used on or applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. The Agency is finalizing this rule on its own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to address residues identified as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (November 3)  
• Trinexapac-ethyl; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of trinexapacethyl in or on sugarcane, cane and sugarcane, molasses. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 4)
• Pesticides; Draft Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on the List of Pests of Significant Public Health Importance
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of and seeking public comment on a draft Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) entitled, ‘‘Draft List of Pests of Significant Public Health Importance—Revised 2020.’’ PR Notices are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important policies, procedures, and registration related decisions, and serve to provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. This particular draft PR Notice provides guidance to the registrant concerning the proposal to update and replace the Pesticide Registration Notice (PRN) 2002–1, which identifies pests of significant public health importance. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that updating the list to reflect the current public health situation was warranted because vectorborne diseases and related research has changed significantly since the original PR Notice was published almost 20 years ago. This update includes the addition or removal of pests, new impacts, renaming pests, or grouping pests of similar species. (November 4)
• Thiamine Mononitrate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of thiamine mononitrate (CAS Reg. No. 532–43–4) when used as an inert ingredient (enzyme cofactor) in pesticide products applied to/on all growing crops preharvest, limited to 0.1% (by weight) in pesticide formulations. SciReg, Inc on behalf of Valagro, S.p.A submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of thiamine mononitrate when used in accordance with this exemption. Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine mononitrate. Throughout this document and for purposes of issuing the tolerance, EPA is using the name ‘‘thiamine mononitrate’’ to be consistent with standard agency nomenclature for the identification of this substance. (November 5)
• Calcium Pantothenate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of calcium pantothenate (CAS Reg. No. 137–08–6) when used as an inert ingredient (enzyme cofactor) in pesticide products applied to/on all growing crops preharvest, limited to 0.1% (by weight) in pesticide formulations. SciReg, Inc on behalf of Valagro, S.p.A submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of certain calcium pantothenate when used in accordance with this exemption. (November 5)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of 4- aminopyridine, benzoic acid, cycloate, difenoconazole, dimethoxane, fenbuconazole, ferbam, isoxaflutole, mesotrione, metaldehyde, phorate, phosmet, polymeric betaine, pyrasulfotole, tembotrione, thiophanate methyl and carbendazim (amendment), thiram, tolfenpyrad, topramezone, and ziram; and opens a public comment period on these documents. (November 5)
• Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows an April 3, 2020 Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrants listed in Table 2 of Unit II to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the April 3, 2020 notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 180-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (November 5) 
• Tolerance Crop Grouping Program V
  This final rule revises the current pesticide tolerance crop grouping regulations, which allow the establishment of tolerances for multiple related crops based on data from a representative set of crops. Specifically, the final rule revises one commodity definition, adds three new commodity definitions, and amends the current herbs and spices crop group currently provided in Crop Group 19. The crops in the current ‘‘Crop Group 19: Herbs and Spices Group’’ are separated into two new crop groups, ‘‘Crop Group 25: Herb Group’’ and ‘‘Crop Group 26: Spice Group’’ and additional commodities are added to Crop Groups 25 and 26. These revisions will increase the utility and benefit of the crop grouping system for producers and other stakeholders involved in commercial agriculture. This is the fifth in a series of planned crop group updates. (November 6) 
• Mefentrifluconazole; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of mefentrifluconazole in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. BASF Corporation requested these tolerances under section 346a of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 6)
• Atrazine, Simazine, and Propazine Registration Review; Draft Endangered Species Act Biological Evaluations; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA or the Agency) draft biological evaluations (BEs) for the registration review of the pesticides atrazine, simazine, and propazine, and opens a public comment period on these documents. (November 6)
• U.S. EPA settles with pesticide producers doing business in Longmont, Colorado to resolve alleged violations of pesticide labeling requirements
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into settlements with Central Garden & Pet, Inc. (CG&P) of Walnut Creek, California, and Nufarm Americas Inc. (Nufarm) of Alsip, Illinois, resolving alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) that occurred in a pesticide production facility located in Longmont, Colorado. Under the terms of two separate Consent Agreements and two Final Orders filed on September 24, 2020, CG&P will pay a civil penalty of $285,700, Nufarm will pay a civil penalty of $80,000, and both companies must ensure the pesticides they sell and distribute are properly labeled. (November 12)
• Mefenoxam; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of mefenoxam in or on the tree nut, crop group 14–12 and almond, hulls. Syngenta Crop Protection requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 13)
• Indoxacarb; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of the insecticide indoxacarb in or on Almond, hulls at 8 parts per million (ppm) and Nut, tree, group 14–12 at 0.08 ppm. FMC Corporation requested tolerances for these commodities under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (November 16)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Ethylene Oxide; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of ethylene oxide. (November 20)
• EPA and CJ Air, LLC, settle illegal pesticide containers disposal case
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CJ Air, LLC, an aerial pesticide applicator based in Nezperce, ID, have reached a settlement over a pesticide container disposal case that occurred on the Nez Perce Reservation in July 2018. EPA alleges that the containers were not rinsed according to labeling instructions and still contained toxic pesticide residue at the time of disposal. (November 24)
• Glyphosate Registration Review; Draft Endangered Species Act Biological Evaluations; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA or the Agency) draft biological evaluation (BE) for the registration review of the pesticide glyphosate and opens a public comment period on this document. (November 27)
• Pesticides; Updated Draft Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on Plant Regulator Products and Claims, Including Plant Biostimulants; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of and seeking public comment on an updated draft guidance document entitled ‘‘Guidance for Plant Regulator Products and Claims, including Plant Biostimulants,’’ which was originally issued for public review and comment in March 2019. Guidance documents 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. (November 30)

October 30, 2020

WEEK IN REVIEW: Ag Edition
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler made a series of agriculture announcements including the registration of dicamba while in Brooklet, Ga. and the final pesticide application exclusion zone rule at a farm in Goldsboro, N.C. Members of President Trump's newly formed Water Subcabinet toured Wisconsin farms on today and yesterday highlighting progress on shared goals and innovative technologies being used to manage nutrients.

October 28, 2020

ICYMI: EPA clears popular weed killer used by cotton farmers
Farmers from across the Southeast had a keen eye on a big announcement Tuesday afternoon in Bulloch County. National environmental leaders gave them the green light to use one chemical that courts had tried to ban earlier this year. Cotton farmers aren’t finished with this year’s crop but say the EPA’s decision couldn’t come at a better time as they begin to look ahead to next season. Lee Cromley knows how much chemicals can help a cotton crop survive. A federal court ruling in June sought to ban a weed killer cotton farmers use called Dicamba.

EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Department of Agriculture
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Commissioner Gary W. Black of the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to establish collaborative efforts and foster relationships between agencies.

EPA Calls for Nominations for the 2021 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards; Applications due by February 19, 2021
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced that EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2021 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE).

October 27, 2020

EPA Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois Farm Bureau
During a farm visit in Decatur, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert, Jr. that commits to continuing collaborative efforts that recognize agricultural environmental stewardship through improved communications and outreach.

Administrator Wheeler Meets with Agricultural Stakeholders in Florida, Georgia
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, EPA Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Alexandra Dunn, and EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary Walker visited farms in both Florida and Georgia, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and announcing the 2020 dicamba registration decisions.

October 26, 2020

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC); Notice of Virtual Public Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a virtual, open, public meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) on November 12–13, 2020, with remote participation only. There will be no in-person gathering for this meeting.

October 16, 2020

Trump Administration Welcomes Amazon to the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions
On World Food Day (October 16), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue welcomed Amazon as a new member of the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions. Champions are U.S. businesses and organizations who pledge to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations by 50 percent by the year 2030. The commitment and action of these businesses will help the U.S. move closer to the national goal, protect and save valuable resources, and improve food system efficiencies while reducing waste.

October 15, 2020

EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) to establish collaborative efforts and foster relationships between agencies.

October 9, 2020

EPA administrator tours Ernst Conservation Seeds
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler paid a visit to a Crawford County farm on Thursday, taking the time to talk with various northwestern Pennsylvania people involved in the agricultural industry and outlining some of the actions planned by the agency.

October 8, 2020

EPA and Agriculture Leaders meet to discuss environmental challenges and solutions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a forum with agriculture leaders from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The meeting was in recognition of the EPA’s third anniversary of the Smart Sector program. The program is an initiative partnership between the agency and the regulated business sectors.

October 7, 2020

EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Commissioner Andy Gipson of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) to establish collaborative efforts and foster relationships between agencies.

EPA Awards $15,000 Grant to Philadelphia Group for Sustainable Food Management
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce that the Bullock Garden Project, Inc. (BGP) of Philadelphia has been selected to receive funding to support a project to capitalize on gleaning to reduce farm food loss under the Sustainable Materials Management grant opportunity.

October 1, 2020

EPA Announces the Selection of 12 Organizations to Receive $3 Million in Funding to Support Anaerobic Digestion in Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Agency selected 12 recipients expected to receive approximately $3 million in funding to help reduce food loss and waste and to divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester capacity in the United States. The project types selected for funding include feasibility studies, demonstration projects, as well as technical assistance and training. EPA anticipates that it will make these awards once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

October 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• EPA Finalizes Cleanup Plan to Address Pesticide Warehouse I Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a cleanup plan to address contaminated soil at the Pesticide Warehouse I Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The final plan, in the form of a document called a Record of Decision, details cleanup work that includes removing and disposing of contaminated soil from the site to protect people’s health. (October 5)

• EPA Grant to Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council Will Support Pesticide Programs
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a grant to the Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council (ENIPC) for $53,760. The funds will continue support for a variety of pesticide programs and activities, including outreach and education. EPA is providing the funding under a cooperative agreement. (October 7)

• Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Revision of the Application Exclusion Zone Requirements
  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 ‘‘Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Revision of the Application Exclusion Zone Requirements (RIN 2070–AK49).’’ The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available by EPA. (October 8)

• Kasugamycin; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions
  This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of kasugamycin in or on almonds. 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 almond trees. This regulation establishes maximum permissible levels for residues of kasugamycin in or on this commodity. The time-limited tolerances expire on December 31, 2023. (October 8)

• Afidopyropen; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of the insecticide afidopyropen, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on multiple food and animal commodities identified and discussed later in this document. BASF Corporation and the Interregional Research Project #4 requested these tolerances under section 346a of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (October 8)

• Pesticides; Draft Guidance for Waiving Acute Dermal Toxicity Tests for Pesticide Technical Chemicals and Supporting Retrospective Analysis; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of and seeking public comment on a draft guidance document entitled ‘‘Guidance for Waiving Acute Dermal Toxicity Tests for Pesticide Technical Chemicals & Supporting Retrospective Analysis.’’ Guidance documents are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important policies, procedures, and registration related decisions, and serve to provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. This draft guidance document provides information to pesticide registrants concerning the Agency’s consideration to expand the potential for data waivers for acute dermal studies to single technical active ingredients (technical AIs) used to formulate end use products. (October 8)

• Pesticides; Exemptions of Certain Plant-Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) Derived From Newer Technologies
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing regulations that would allow for an exemption under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) for certain PIPs that are created in plants using biotechnology, as long as their pesticidal substances are found in plants that are sexually compatible with the recipient plant and meet the proposed exemption criteria, ensuring their safety. The current exemption for PIPs is limited to PIPs moved through conventional breeding. EPA’s proposed rule would allow certain PIPs created through biotechnology to also be exempt under existing regulations, in cases where those PIPs pose no greater risk than PIPs that meet EPA safety requirements, and could have otherwise been created through conventional breeding. (October 9)

• Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
  EPA has granted emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted during the period October 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 to control unforeseen pest outbreaks. (October 9)

• 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 virtual public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on October 28–29, 2020, with participation by webcast only. There will be no in-person gathering for this meeting. (October 13)

• Lawrence, Mass. Chemical Corporation Resolves Allegations of Illegally Selling and Distributing Pesticide Products
  A Lawrence pesticide production company agreed to pay civil penalties for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. Under the agreement, Chemco Corporation will pay a penalty of $56,543 and must certify that it is currently in compliance with FIFRA. (October 14)

• U.S. EPA settles with Honolulu-based BEI Hawaii over a Chlorine Gas Release and Pesticides Violations
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with BEI Hawaii (BEI) for alleged violations of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Clean Air Act at its Hilo facility on the Big Island and its Honolulu facility. This action will protect both communities against potential releases of hazardous chemicals. BEI will pay a $127,209 civil penalty. (October 15)

• Methyl Bromide; Pesticide Tolerance for Emergency Exemptions
  This regulation establishes a time-limited tolerance for residues of the fumigant methyl bromide, including its metabolites and degradates in or on imported/domestic agricultural commodities in fruit, citrus, group 10– 10. This action is in response to EPA’s granting a quarantine exemption under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the pesticide on commodities within fruit, citrus, group 10–10. This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for residues of methyl bromide in or on these commodities. The time-limited tolerance expires on December 31, 2023. (October 16)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s preliminary work plans for the following chemicals: Aminocyclopyrachlor, cetylpyridinium chloride, and flutriafol. With this document, the EPA is opening the public comment period for registration review for these chemicals. (October 19)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Zinc Phosphide
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of zinc phosphide. (October 19)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (September 2020)
  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. (October 20)

• Sulfuric Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of sulfuric acid on hop vines when applied as a desiccant in the production of hops. J.R. Simplot Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an amendment to an existing requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of sulfuric acid. (October 22)

• Clofentezine; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of clofentezine in or on hop, dried cones. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (October 22)

• Diquat; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of diquat in or on pea and bean, dry and shelled, except soybean, subgroup 6C. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (October 22)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (September 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (October 23)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Methomyl and Thiodicarb
  This notice 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 methomyl and thiodicarb. (October 23)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice 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: 1,3- dichloropropene, 1- methylcyclopropene; aluminum phosphide; Beauveria bassiana; benzyl benzoate; butoxypolypropylene glycol (BPG); carboxin/oxycarboxin; cyhalothrins; Dibromo-3- nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA); halohydantoins; inorganic sulfites; irgarol; kaolin; magnesium phosphide; methoprene/kinoprene/hydroprene; myclobutanil; naphthalene acetic acid, salts, ester, and acetamide (NAA); organic esters of phosphoric acid (OEPA); Paecilomyces species; phosphine; propylene oxide (PPO); Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC 108; triallate; triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTH); and triticonazole. In addition, the human health and ecological risk assessments for benzyl benzoate, butoxypolypropylene glycol, and OEPA are also being published for comment at this time. (October 23)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decision for Paraquat
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim registration review decision and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decision for paraquat. (October 23)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (September 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (October 23)

• Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC); Notice of Virtual Public Meeting
  Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a virtual, open, public meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) on November 12–13, 2020, with remote participation only. There will be no in-person gathering for this meeting. (October 26)

• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (September 2020)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (October 27)

• Pesticide Reregistration Performance Measures and Goals; Annual Progress Report; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s progress report in meeting its performance measures and goals for pesticide reregistration during fiscal year 2018. This progress report also presents the total number of products registered under the ‘‘fasttrack’’ provisions of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (October 28)

• EPA Finalizes Improvements to Pesticide Application Exclusion Zone Requirements
  At Overman Farms in Goldsboro, N.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler will announce that the agency has finalized important improvements to requirements for the pesticide application exclusion zone (AEZ)—the area surrounding pesticide application equipment that exists only during outdoor production pesticide applications. EPA’s targeted changes improve the enforceability and workability of the AEZ requirements, decrease regulatory burdens for farmers, and maintain critical worker protections. Today’s revisions are consistent with the 2018 Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA). The AEZ requirements are part of EPA’s agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) regulations. (October 29)

• Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Revision of the Application Exclusion Zone Requirements
  EPA is finalizing revisions to the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) to clarify and simplify the application exclusion zone (AEZ) requirements. This rulemaking is responsive to feedback received from stakeholders and the Agency’s efforts to reduce regulatory burden, while providing the necessary protections for agricultural workers and the public. EPA remains committed to ensuring the protection of workers and persons in areas where pesticide applications are taking place. The AEZ and no contact provisions aim to ensure such protections. EPA also has a strong interest in promulgating regulations that are enforceable, clear, and effective. (October 30)

September 28, 2020

Administrator Wheeler Kicks Off Midwest Swing in Minnesota Announcing Environmental Justice Grants, Highlighting Brownfields, Meeting with Agricultural Partners
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler kicked off his Midwest swing in Minnesota with a tour of Brownfield sites in St. Cloud where he announced over $700,000 in a Brownfields 128(a) State and Tribal Grant, and $320,000 in environmental justice grants to the greater Minneapolis area. Administrator Wheeler also joined U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08) in a meeting with agricultural partners at a local farm.

September 21, 2020

30 Years of Pollution Prevention Builds Stronger, More Sustainable Businesses
Businesses are the backbone of the American economy and play a crucial role in protecting our environment for generations to come. This year marks EPA’s 50th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the Pollution Prevention (P2) Act. During this time, we’ve worked with businesses to find ways to stop pollution before it is even created, the very heart of P2 and sustainability practices.

September 18, 2020

EPA Administrator Wheeler Meets with Farmers and Local Officials on Efforts to Provide Regulatory Certainty
At a roundtable in Niangua, Missouri with U.S. Representatives Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) and Jason Smith (MO-08) and farmers from the Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Corn Growers Association, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler highlighted efforts to provide certainty and predictability to the agricultural community. As part of the event, Administrator Wheeler announced the interim decisions for atrazine, propazine and simazine, which finalize measures to protect human health, mitigate potential ecological risks and continue to provide America’s farmers with the valuable tools they have come to rely on to control weeds in crops.

September 14, 2020

EPA Takes Action to Protect Integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, Support American Farmers
The Trump Administration reaffirmed its commitment to support America’s farmers by moving forward to review and adjudicate petitions for small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is denying petitions for small refinery exemptions for past compliance years, the so-called “gap-filling” petitions for the 2011-18 compliance years.

September 3, 2020

EPA Administrator Wheeler Delivers Address at Nixon Presidential Library
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler delivered an address at the Nixon Presidential Library commemorating the agency's 50th anniversary and laying out a vision of environmental policy for the next 50 years. Click the link for his remarks as prepared for delivery.

EPA Administrator Concludes Southwest Swing with Nixon Library Address
U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler concluded his swing through the American Southwest with an address at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Southern California where he commemorated President Nixon’s creation of the agency 50 years ago and laid out a vision for the agency’s next 50 years.

September 1, 2020

EPA Supports Technology to Benefit America’s Farmers, Improve Sustainability
In another effort to remove barriers to innovation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule that will streamline the regulation of certain National Priority List sites (NPL's) that pose no risks of concern to humans or the environment. This action – which will be available for public comment for 60 days – delivers on a  key directive under President Trump’s Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products.

What They Are Saying: EPA Supports Technology to Benefit America’s Farmers, Improve Sustainability
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule that will streamline the regulation of certain plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) that pose no risks of concern to humans or the environment. This action – which will be available for public comment for 60 days – delivers on a key directive under President Trump Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products. Here's what stakeholders and elected officials are saying.

EPA Announces Availability of Funding for Farmer-led, Farm Focused Projects in the Gulf
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Division announced the availability of grant funding to improve water quality, habitat, resilience and environmental education through the demonstration of innovative practices on working lands. The project is designed to support farmer-led or farm focused organizations in the Gulf of Mexico watershed within the Continental United States. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $10 million.

September 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Citrus Tristeza Virus Expressing Spinach Defensin Proteins 2, 7, and 8; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation amends and extends a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Citrus tristeza virus expressing spinach defensin proteins 2, 7, and 8 alone or in various combinations on citrus fruit (Citrus spp., Fortunella spp., Crop Group 10–10) when applied/used as a microbial pesticide in accordance with the terms of Experimental Use Permit (EUP) No. 88232–EUP–2. Southern Gardens Citrus submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting extension of the temporary tolerance exemption. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Citrus tristeza virus expressing spinach defensin proteins 2, 7, and 8 alone or in various combinations. The temporary tolerance exemption expires on August 31, 2023. (September 1)

• Notice of Intent To Suspend Certain Pesticides Registrations
  This notice, pursuant the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Notices Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), publishes a Notice of Intent to Suspend certain pesticide registrations issued by EPA. The Notice of Intent to Suspend was issued following the Agency’s issuance of a Data Call-In Notice (DCI), which required the registrant of the affected pesticide products containing a certain pesticide active ingredient to take appropriate steps to secure certain data, and following the registrant’s failure to submit these data or to take other appropriate steps to secure the required data. The subject data were determined to be required to maintain in effect the existing registrations of the affected products. Failure to comply with the data requirements of a DCI is a basis for suspension of the affected registrations under FIFRA. (September 2)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Strychnine; Notice of Availability 
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of strychnine. (September 2)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of 10,10’- oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA), amicarbazone, aminopyralid, dimethenamid/dimethenamid-p, endothall, fluoxastrobin, folpet, ipconazole, iprodione, metconazole, polixetonium chloride, prothioconazole, sodium pyrithione. (September 2)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability 
  This notice 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: 1, 4- Dimethylnapthalene and 2,6- Diisopropylnaphthalene, acequinocyl, Bacillus cereus strain BP01, cypermethrins, dithiopyr, etridiazole, fenamidone, fenbutatin-oxide, fenpropimorph, fenpyroximate, flonicamid, flumetralin, flumioxazin, hypochlorous acid, inorganic halides, MCPB, Metarhizium anisopliae, metolachlor/S-metolachlor, Pantoea agglomerans strain C9–1, Pantoea agglomerans strain E325, propanil, terbacil, triclopyr. (September 2)

• Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Sequences; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of deoxyribonucleic acid sequences consisting solely of adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine, of 300 or fewer base pairs, and which do not contain start codons or regulatory sequences necessary for the initiation of transcription or translation when used as an inert ingredient (product identifier) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and to raw agricultural commodities after harvest at a concentration not to exceed 1.0 parts per million (ppm). InvisiDex Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of deoxyribonucleic acid that satisfy the terms of the exemption. (September 3) 

• Pydiflumetofen; Pesticide Tolerance 
  This regulation establishes tolerances for the inadvertent residues of pydiflumetofen in or on animal feed, nongrass, group 18, hay; grass, forage, fodder and hay, group 17, except straw; and grass, forage, fodder and hay, group 17, straw. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (September 4)

• Tiafenacil; Pesticide Tolerances 
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of tiafenacil in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. ISK Biosciences Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (September 8) 

• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides for DDVP, Naled, and Trichlorfon; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of DDVP, naled, and trichlorfon. (September 8) 

• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (July 2020)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (September 10)

• 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, polymer with 2,5-furandione and 2,4,4-trimethyl1-pentene, potassium salt; Pesticide Tolerance Exemption
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, polymer with 2,5- furandione and 2,4,4-trimethyl-1- pentene, potassium salt; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Solvay USA, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 2-propenoic acid, 2- methyl-, polymer with 2,5-furandione and 2,4,4-trimethyl-1-pentene, potassium salt on food or feed commodities. (September 16)

• 1-Octanamine, N, N-dimethyl-, N-oxide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1-octanamine, N,N-dimethyl-, N-oxide (CAS Reg. No. 2605–78–9) when used as an inert ingredient (surfactant) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest, at a concentration of not more than 15% by weight in pesticide formulations. The Spring Trading Company, on behalf of Oxiteno USA, LLC, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 1- octanamine, N,N-dimethyl-, N-oxide when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption. (September 16)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (August 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (September 22)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Interim Decisions for the Triazines; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decisions for the triazines (atrazine, propazine, and simazine). (September 22)

• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a July 30, 2020 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 July 30, 2020 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 received one anonymous public comment on the notice, but it didn’t merit its further review of the requests. Further, the registrants did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations 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. (September 23)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (August 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (September 24)

• Aspergillus flavus NRRL 21882; Amendment to an Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation amends the existing tolerance exemptions for residues of Aspergillus flavus NRRL 21882 in or on corn and peanut commodities by clarifying that the exemption covers all food and feed commodities of these crops and by establishing an exemption for all food and feed commodities of almond and pistachio. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting that EPA amend the existing tolerance exemption for Aspergillus flavus NRRL 21882. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Aspergillus flavus NRRL 21882 on these crops. (September 25) 

• Trichoderma asperellum, Strain T34; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Trichoderma asperellum, strain T34 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Biocontrol Technologies S.L. 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 Trichoderma asperellum, strain T34 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption. (September 25)

• Saflufenacil; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of saflufenacil in or on the caneberry subgroup 13–07A, fig, chia seed and chia straw. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (September 25)

• 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 orthophthalaldehyde (OPA, CAS No. 643–79– 8) 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. The applicant proposes the use of a new chemical which has not been registered by EPA. Therefore, in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether to grant the exemption. (September 25)

• Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster (HBCD); Final Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Risk Evaluation; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of the final Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation of Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster (HBCD). The purpose of conducting risk evaluations under TSCA is to determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment under the conditions of use, including an unreasonable risk to a relevant potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulation, without consideration of costs or other nonrisk factors. EPA has determined that specific conditions of use of HBCD present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. For those conditions of use for which EPA has found an unreasonable risk, EPA must take regulatory action to address that unreasonable risk through risk management measures enumerated in TSCA. EPA has also determined that specific conditions of use do not present unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. For those conditions of use for which EPA has found no unreasonable risk to health or the environment, the Agency’s determination is a final Agency action and is issued via order in the risk evaluation. (September 25)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Chlorpyrifos; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s revised draft human health risk assessment and ecological risk assessment for the registration review of chlorpyrifos. (September 25)

• Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain ACK55; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ACK55 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. The IR–4 Project 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 Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ACK55 under FFDCA. (September 28)

• Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Application for New and Amended Pesticide Registration (Renewal)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Application for New and Amended Pesticide Registration (EPA ICR Number 0277.20, OMB Control Number 2070– 0060) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2020. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on February 6, 2020 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. (September 29) 

• Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Pesticide Registration Fees Program (Renewal)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Pesticide Registration Fees Program (EPA ICR Number 2330.04, OMB Control Number 2070–0179) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2020. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on December 3, 2019 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. (September 29)

• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (August 2020)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (September 30)

August 26, 2020

EPA Administrator Wheeler Concludes Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Swing Visiting EPA Research Facilities, Meeting with Agricultural Stakeholders
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler concluded a three day visit through the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast region with a visit to EPA’s Research Triangle Park (RTP) campus in Raleigh, N.C. and an address at a farm in Mechanicsville, Va.

EPA and USDA Announce Competition to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the United States
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, a joint EPA-USDA partnership and competition to advance agricultural sustainability in the United States. The competition includes two challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment.

August 25, 2020

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC); Notice of Virtual Public Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a virtual, open, public meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) on September 10-11, 2020, with remote participation only. There will be no in-person gathering for this meeting.

EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Commissioner Steve Troxler, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish collaborative efforts and foster relationships between agencies at Jay Adcock’s Farm in Fuquay-Varina with EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Congressman David Rouzer (NC-7).

Administrator Wheeler Discusses PFAS, Engages with Agriculture Stakeholders, Tours Brownfields Redevelopment in North Carolina
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler continued his swing through the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast region with stops in Fayetteville, Fuquay Varina, and Dunn, N.C. where he highlighted EPA’s work to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of North Carolina to strengthen the agriculture community, and promoted redevelopment work for Brownfields sites.

August 20, 2020

EPA Awards Nearly $5 Million for New Research on Managing PFAS in Agricultural and Rural Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $4.8 million in research funding to three institutions to better understand the potential impacts of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on water quality and availability in rural communities and agricultural operations across the United States. These grant awards build on the agency’s efforts to implement the PFAS Action Plan—the most comprehensive cross-agency plan ever to address an emerging chemical of concern.

EPA Awards $3.2 Million to Purdue and Indiana Universities for Research on Managing PFAS in Agriculture and Rural Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that two Indiana universities will receive research grants to better understand the potential impacts of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on water quality and availability in rural communities and agricultural operations across the United States.

August 12, 2020 

EPA Funding to Accelerate Ag Pollution Reductions in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it is seeking applications to administer nearly $3.4 million to improve water quality in Pennsylvania streams and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay by reducing excess nitrogen from agricultural operations.

August 10, 2020

U.S. EPA settles with Modesto’s Mercer Foods for producing and distributing unregistered pesticide ingredient, violating federal law
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Mercer Foods, LLC, involving the production and distribution of an active ingredient, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, used in pesticides for organic farming. The production facility and the ingredient produced were both unregistered, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The company has agreed to pay a $51,905 civil penalty.

August 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (June 2020)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (August 5)
• Tetrachlorvinphos; Notice of Receipt of Requests to Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by the registrants to voluntarily cancel their registrations of certain products containing the pesticide tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), or to amend their TCVP product registrations to terminate or delete one or more uses. The requests would terminate TCVP use of Chem-Tech, Ltd. (August 6)
• Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request (May 2020)
  This notice announces EPA’s receipt of application 8917–EUP–G from J.R. Simplot Company, requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for BLB2 protein (Rpi-blb2 gene), AMR3 protein (Rpi-amr3 gene), VNT1 protein (Rpivnt1 gene), and PVY coat protein DNA inverted repeat. EPA has determined that the permit may be of regional or national significance. Therefore, because of the potential significance, EPA is seeking comments on this application. (August 7)
• Nitrapyrin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of nitrapyrin in or on sugar beet molasses, sugar beet roots, sugar beet tops, rapeseed seed, and the vegetable, tuberous and corm, crop subgroup 1C. Dow AgroSciences LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).(August 12)
• Pethoxamid; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of pethoxamid in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. FMC Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). DATES: This regulation is effective August 12, 2020. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before October 13, 2020 and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). (August 12)

• Novaluron; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes and modifies tolerances for residues of novaluron in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances and modifications under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 13)

• Cuprous Iodide; Draft Ecological Risk Assessment for Federally Listed Species; Notice of Availability
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on EPA’s draft Ecological Risk Assessment for Federally Listed Species for the antimicrobial pesticide, cuprous iodide. (August 13)

• Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fludioxonil in or on Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup 4–16B, except watercress, at 15 parts per million (ppm); vegetable, Brassica, head and stem, group 5–16 at 2 ppm; kohlrabi at 2 ppm; modifies the current watercress tolerance from 7 ppm to 10 ppm; and removes existing tolerances for Brassica, head and stem, subgroup 5A and Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup 5B. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 20)

• Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Pesticides; Proposal To Add Chitosan to the List of Active Ingredients Permitted in Exempted Minimum Risk Pesticide Products
  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 a draft regulatory document concerning ‘‘Pesticides; Addition of Chitosan to the List of Active Ingredients Allowed in Exempted Minimum Risk Pesticides Products.’’ The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available by EPA. (August 20)

• Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Pesticides; Exemptions of Certain PlantIncorporated Protectants (PIPs) Derived From Newer Technologies
  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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) a draft regulatory document concerning ‘‘Pesticides; Exemptions of Certain Plant-Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) Derived from Newer Technologies.’’ The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available by EPA.  (August 20)

• Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Control of Emissions From Production of Pesticides and Herbicides
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for its rule related to control of emissions from production of pesticides and herbicides in the Kansas City area. This final action will amend the SIP to remove certain provisions from the rule, consolidate requirements, include incorporations by reference and revise restrictive language. The EPA’s approval of these rule revisions is being done in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). (August 21)

• Flupyradifurone; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of flupyradifurone in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) and the registrant, Bayer CropScience, requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 21)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (July 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (August 25)

• Coumaphos; Revised Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision
  This notice announces the availability of and solicits public comment on EPA’s revised proposed interim registration review decision for coumaphos. (August 25)

• Inpyrfluxam; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of inpyrfluxam in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. Valent requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (August 26)

• Pesticide Registration Review; Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decisions for the following chemicals: 2,4-DP-p, Aliphatic alcohols C6–C16, Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (ABS), Bacillus pumilus, Bromacil, Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS), Fatty Acid Monoesters with Glycerol or Propanediol, Harpin Proteins, Linuron, Pyroxsulam, Thiencarbazone-methyl (TCM). (August 26)

• Difenacoum; Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrant 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 a June 14, 2018 Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrant listed in Table 3 of Unit II to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the June 14, 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 registrant withdrew their requests. The Agency received no comments on the notice. Further, the registrant did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. (August 26)

• Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Standards for Pesticide Containers and Containment (Renewal)
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) Standards for Pesticide Containers and Containment’’ (EPA ICR Number 1632.06 and OMB Control Number 2070–0133) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through October 31, 2020. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on December 3, 2019 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.  (August 28)

• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (July 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (August 28)

July 27, 2020

EPA Releases Temporary Guidance Regarding Certification of Pesticide Applicators During COVID-19
EPA has released a temporary guidance regarding the certification of pesticide applicators of restricted use pesticides that offers flexibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

EPA Announces First Update on National Water Reuse Action Plan Implementation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the first update on the collaborative implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) that was launched on February 27, 2020. The update highlights expeditious and meaningful progress that EPA and its partners across the water user community have made to advance consideration of water reuse and ensure the security, sustainability and resilience of our nation's water resources.

July 22, 2020

EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Commissioner Rick Pate, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) to establish collaborative efforts and strengthen relationships between agencies.

July 16, 2020

EPA Announces Grant to Support Safe Pesticide Use Outreach
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a grant opportunity for projects that promote safe pesticide use. The recipient will receive an estimated $1.2 million to conduct public engagement outreach through a 5-year cooperative agreement.

July 14, 2020

EPA Provides $3.84 Million for Pennsylvania Efforts to Reduce Ag-Related Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today reallocated $3.84 million to support priority actions in Pennsylvania to reduce agricultural-related pollutants impacting local waters and the Chesapeake Bay.

July 9, 2020

Proposed Settlement with United States and Major Fertilizer Producer Will Reduce Acidic Wastewater Generation and Enhance Phosphate Recovery
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice today announced a settlement with J.R. Simplot Company and its subsidiary, Simplot Phosphates LLC (Simplot), involving Simplot’s Rock Springs, Wyoming, manufacturing facility.

July 7, 2020

United States and State of Nebraska Reach Settlement with Henningsen Foods Inc. for Alleged Clean Water Act Violations
The United States and the state of Nebraska have reached a settlement with Henningsen Foods Inc. to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at the company’s egg processing facility in David City, Nebraska.

July 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Cyflumetofen; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of cyflumetofen in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 1)
• Oxathiapiprolin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of oxathiapiprolin in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) and the registrant, Syngenta Crop Protection requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 6)
• S-metolachlor; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of S-metolachlor in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) and Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 6)
• 2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, ester with α-methyl-w-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2- ethanediyl) and α-[2,4,6-tris(1- phenylethyl)phenyl]-whydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), graft, sodium salt; Tolerance Exemption 
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-propenoic acid, homopolymer, ester with amethyl-w-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2- ethanediyl) and a-[2,4,6-tris(1- phenylethyl)phenyl]-whydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), graft, sodium salt; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Lamberti USA, Incorporated submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 2- propenoic acid, homopolymer, ester with a-methyl-w-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2- ethanediyl) and a-[2,4,6-tris(1- phenylethyl)phenyl]-whydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), graft, sodium salt on food or feed commodities. (July 6)
• 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid (ACC); Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in or on apples and stone fruits when used in accordance with the terms of the Experimental Use Permit (EUP) under EPA Number 73049–EUP– 12. Valent BioSciences, LLC., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for the use of ACC for a period of three years. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of ACC resulting from use in accordance with the EUP No. 73049– EUP–12 under FFDCA. The temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance expires on July 6, 2023. (July 6)
• Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation amends the existing tolerances for residues of the ovicide/miticide hexythiazox in or on Caneberry, Subgroup 13–07A, by increasing the current tolerance from 1 part per million (ppm) to 3 ppm; and on Date, dried, by increasing the current tolerance from 1.0 ppm to 3 ppm. This regulation also establishes a tolerance for residues of the ovicide/miticide hexythiazox in or on Tea, dried at 15 ppm. Gowan Company and the Tea Association of the USA, Inc. requested these tolerances and tolerance revisions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a. (July 20)
• Quinclorac; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation amends the tolerance for residues of quinclorac in or on rice, grain. BASF Corporation requested this tolerance amendment under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 20)
• Magnesium Sulfate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of magnesium sulfate anhydrous (CAS Reg. No. 7487– 88–9); magnesium sulfate monohydrate (CAS Reg. No. 14168–73–1); magnesium sulfate trihydrate (CAS Reg. No. 15320– 30–6); magnesium sulfate tetrahydrate (CAS Reg. No. 24378–31–2); magnesium sulfate pentahydrate (CAS Reg. No. 15553–21–6); magnesium sulfate hexahydrate (CAS Reg. No. 17830–18– 1); and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (CAS Reg. No. 10034–99–8), collectively referred to as magnesium sulfate, when used as an inert ingredient in antimicrobial pesticide formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils at an end-use concentration not to exceed 4400 parts per million (ppm). Ecolab, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for magnesium sulfate. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of magnesium sulfate when used in accordance with these exemptions. (July 20)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (June 2020)
  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. (July 21)
• Permethrin; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of permethrin in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 28)
• Ethalfluralin; Pesticide Tolerances 
  This regulation decreases the tolerance for residues of ethalfluralin in or on potato. Gowan Company requested this tolerance modification under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (July 28)
• 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 30)
• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. (July 30)
• Petition To Revoke All Neonicotinoid Tolerances; Notice of Availability
  EPA seeks public comment on a May 4, 2020 petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) requesting that the Agency revoke all tolerances for residues of the neonicotinoid pesticides acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. (July 30)
• Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions for Naphthalene and Paradichlorobenzene; Notice of Availability
  This notice 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 naphthalene and para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB). (July 30)
• Trichoderma atroviride Strain SC1; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain SC1 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Bi-PA nv 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 Trichoderma atroviride strain SC1 in or on all food commodities under FFDCA. (July 31)
• Long Chain Alcohols; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of long chain alcohols when used as inert ingredients (carrier/adjuvant and coating agent/ binder) in pesticide products applied to/ on all growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest, and to/on animals, and in certain antimicrobial formulations. Spring Trading Company on behalf of Sasol Chemicals (USA) LLC., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of certain long chain alcohols when used in accordance with these exemptions. (July 31)

June 30, 2020

EPA Releases Additional Funding for 2020 Environmental Justice Small Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 12 organizations will receive a total of $360,000 to help address environmental justice issues in their communities. Each of the organizations will receive $30,000. The organizations announced today were selected from the large pool of applicants in 2019. This funding is in addition to 50 organizations awarded $1.5 million in grants nationwide in November 2019.

June 29, 2020

Celebrating Our Agriculture Communities, Partnerships
As EPA recognizes our many partners as part of EPA’s 50th anniversary celebration, it is vital to highlight partners who touch our lives every day: our agriculture community. Now more than ever, Americans are appreciating the critical role that farmers have in our society. Farmers and ranchers are invaluable partners in fulfilling our mission to protect human health and the environment. We at EPA, with the leadership of Administrator Wheeler, have focused on working hard to enhance and strengthen our partnership with farmers and ranchers. 

June 22, 2020

EPA Administrator Signs Proclamation Marking National Pollinator Week
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a proclamation designating the week of June 22 as National Pollinator Week. Administrator Wheeler is the first EPA Administrator to sign such a proclamation – joining leadership from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), all 50 Governors and hundreds of governments and organizations around the world.

EPA Provides Additional Funding to Hypoxia Task Force States, Including Iowa and Missouri, to Help Reduce Excess Nutrients in Gulf of Mexico Watershed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is providing an additional $840,000 to the 12 state members of the Hypoxia Task Force (HTF), including Iowa and Missouri. This is in addition to the $1.2 million the Agency already announced in August 2019. Collectively, EPA’s funding of over $2 million is helping HTF states implement plans that accelerate progress on reducing excess nutrients and improving water quality in the Mississippi River/Atchafalaya River Basin.

June 18, 2020

EPA Releases Guidance on Pesticide Safety Training Requirements During COVID-19
Agricultural workers and pesticide handlers directly support the nation’s agricultural production and food supply and EPA is committed to ensuring they are protected from workplace hazards. EPA has released guidance regarding the annual pesticide safety training requirements outlined in the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) that offers flexibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

What They Are Saying: EPA Administrator Wheeler Appoints New Members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the appointment of thirty-three members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC). Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. Here's what stakeholders and elected officials are saying.

June 17, 2020

EPA Administrator Wheeler Appoints New Members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee
 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler is announcing the appointment of thirty-three members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC), including representatives from New York and Puerto Rico. Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to on the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker Signs MOU with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker signed a first-time Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers to establish collaborative efforts and strengthen relationships between agencies.

June 15, 2020

EPA Settles Pesticide Worker Protection Case With C&S Farms of Laurel, Delaware
C&S Farms, Inc. of Laurel, Delaware, will pay a $25,000 penalty as part of a settlement over alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) related to pesticide safety requirements for agricultural workers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

June 11, 2020

EPA Orders Amazon and eBay to Stop Sale of Certain Pesticide Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered Amazon Services LLC and eBay Inc. to stop selling a wide range of pesticide products. These products are unregistered, misbranded, or restricted-use pesticides, and pesticide devices that make false or misleading claims. As two of the largest e-commerce marketplaces, both companies oversee millions of product listings, thru either direct or third-party sales. The products subject to EPA’s orders also include several products that are marketed with false or misleading claims of efficacy against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.

June 9, 2020

EPA Urges Preparedness as Hurricane Season Begins; Advises on prevention, preparedness, and reporting requirements during Hazardous Weather Events
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues dedicated efforts to help Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands recover from 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the new Atlantic hurricane season kicked off on June 1. EPA is reminding people, businesses and state and local governments where they can find the best information on preparedness before hurricane force winds or storm flooding may occur.

June 8, 2020

​EPA Offers Clarity to Farmers in Light of Recent Court Vacatur of Dicamba Registrations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a key order providing farmers with needed clarity following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ June 3, 2020 vacatur of three dicamba registrations. Today’s cancellation order outlines limited and specific circumstances under which existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products can be used for a limited period of time. EPA’s order will advance protection of public health and the environment by ensuring use of existing stocks follows important application procedures.

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry14Ab-1 Protein in Soybean; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry14Ab-1 protein (hereafter referred to as Cry14Ab-1) in or on soybean when used as a PlantIncorporated Protectant (PIP). BASF Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Cry14Ab-1.

June 4, 2020

EPA Orders PureLine Treatment Systems in Bensenville, Illinois, to Stop Selling Certain Pesticides
CHICAGO (June 4, 2020) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a “Stop Sale” order to PureLine Treatment Systems, LLC in Bensenville, Illinois, to immediately halt the sale or distribution of certain pesticide products. The company has made claims about these pesticides that are not allowed under the products’ registrations and could mislead the public regarding the products’ safety and effectiveness against the virus that causes COVID-19.

June 1, 2020

Statement Regarding Respiratory Protection Shortages and Reduced Availability of Respirator Fit Testing Related to Pesticide Uses Covered by the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
EPA has heard from states and stakeholders about Personal Protective Equipment shortages in the agricultural sector. To respond to these reports and to help ensure the health and safety of America’s farmers, EPA is providing temporary guidance regarding respiratory protection requirements for agricultural pesticide handlers. Our guidance aligns with recent OSHA memos on respirators while addressing EPA’s responsibilities under FIFRA and the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

June 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Issuance of an Experimental Use Permit
  EPA has granted an experimental use permit (EUP) to Oxitec, Ltd to test efficacy of OX5034 Aedes aegypti mosquitoes expressing tetracycline Trans-Activator Variant (tTAV–OX5034) protein for control of wild Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. An EUP permits use of a pesticide for experimental or research purposes only in accordance with the limitations in the permit. (June 9)
• Pesticide distributor in Tumwater, Washington, agrees to settle alleged EPA pesticide labeling violations
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with pesticide distributor CH2O of Tumwater resolving alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Under the terms of a recently signed and filed (May 28) Consent Agreement and Final Order, CH2O will pay a civil penalty of $92,900 to resolve the alleged violations. CH2O is a specialty water treatment company serving public institutions, industries, and agriculture with water treatment chemicals and technologies. (June 10)
• FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Notice of Public Meetings and Request for Nominations of Ad Hoc Expert Reviewers
  There will be a 4-day public peer review meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) to consider and review the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) to derive extrapolation factors and evaluate developmental neurotoxicity for human health risk assessment. Preceding the public peer review meeting, there will be a public preparatory virtual meeting, conducted via teleconference and webcast, to consider the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions for this peer review. In addition, EPA is requesting nominations of prospective candidates for service as ad hoc reviewers to assist the FIFRA SAP with this review. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals to be considered as prospective candidates for this review by following the instructions provided in this notice. (June 17)
• Fenpyroximate; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes and amends tolerances for residues of fenpyroximate in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 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. (June 19)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (May 2020)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (June 19)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (May 2020)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities (June 24)

• Indaziflam; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of indaziflam in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Bayer CropScience requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (June 24)

May 29, 2020

Compliance Advisory: What You Need to Know Regarding Products Making Claims to Kill the Coronavirus Causing COVID-19
The purpose of the Compliance Advisory is to address concerns related to products being used to disinfect surfaces which include claims to kill and/or be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing the disease COVID-19. For some of these products, those claims have not been reviewed or accepted by EPA and, therefore, may present a risk to consumers, and healthcare providers in particular.

May 27, 2020

EPA Recognizes Wylie ISD for Achievement in Reducing Food Waste
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized two schools in the Wylie, Texas, Independent School District (ISD) for outstanding accomplishments in the 2019 Food Recovery Challenge. Birmingham Elementary and Harrison Intermediate School both used creative and practical strategies to prevent and reduce food waste at their campuses.

EPA Administrator Wheeler Kicks Off Georgia Trip at Southern Belle Farm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler kicked off his swing through Georgia by highlighting the critical role agriculture has with our society and well-being at Southern Belle Farm in McDonough. Administrator Wheeler was joined by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black as well as EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary Walker. “American farmers, ranchers and everyone in the food supply chain are working tirelessly to keep products available across the country,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “As America works to regain some normalcy over the next several weeks, EPA will work with the ag community to support the supply chain, with as little disruption as possible.”

May 21, 2020

EPA Reopens Public Comment Period on Proposed Interim Decisions for Neonicotinoids
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reopening the public comment period for 30 days on the proposed interim decisions for the neonicotinoids acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam.

May 20, 2020

EPA Announces Grant Opportunity for Food Waste Management Projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications on Grants.gov for projects from states, tribes, territories and non-profit organizations to help reduce food loss and waste and divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester (AD) capacity in the United States.

May 18, 2020

EPA Provides $6 Million to Reduce Excess Ag Runoff to the Chesapeake Bay
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the allocation of $6 million to Chesapeake Bay states to improve water quality by reducing excess nitrogen from agricultural operations. “The water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed has recently reached the highest standards in more than 30 years,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The primary focus of this funding is the continued reduction of nitrogen from agricultural sources, which has been one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome as we strive to make the Bay ever cleaner.”

May 15, 2020

EPA Provides Assistance to North Lake Charles and Opelousas, La., for Community Revitalization, Local Food Economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, is announcing assistance to help 16 communities boost economic opportunities for their local farmers, while promoting clean air, safe water, open space, and healthy food choices. Among the recipients are two in Louisiana: the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services in North Lake Charles and the Opelousas General Health System Foundation in Opelousas.

Harrisburg, Pa. among communities receiving assistance for community revitalization, local food economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, announced today that Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is among 16 communities nationwide receiving assistance to boost economic opportunities for their local farmers, while promoting clean air, safe water, open space and healthy food choices.

May 14, 2020

Trump Administration Provides Assistance for Community Revitalization, Local Food Economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, is announcing assistance to help 16 communities boost economic opportunities for their local farmers, while promoting clean air, safe water, open space, and healthy food choices.

York, Nebraska, Organization Receives Federal Assistance for Community Revitalization, Local Food Economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is announcing that the York County Development Corporation in York, Nebraska, is one of 16 organizations across the nation to receive assistance to help boost economic opportunities for their local farmers, while promoting clean air, safe water, open space, and healthy food choices.

Mattie Rhodes Center in Kansas City, Missouri, Receives Federal Assistance for Community Revitalization, Local Food Economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is announcing that the Mattie Rhodes Center in Kansas City, Missouri, is one of 16 organizations across the nation to receive assistance to help boost economic opportunities for their local farmers, while promoting clean air, safe water, open space, and healthy food choices.

Pelican Rapids to Receive EPA Technical Assistance to Spur Economy with Locally-Produced Foods
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, announced technical assistance for Pelican Rapids, Minn. to help develop its economic revitalization and international foods plan.  This would boost economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs while promoting clean air, safe water, open space and healthy food choices.

Springfield to receive EPA Technical Assistance for Downtown Food Space
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, announced technical assistance for the City of Springfield, Ill., to develop a food space downtown. This would boost economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs while promoting clean air, safe water, open space and healthy food choices.

May 4th, 2020

Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Notice of Virtual Public Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Pesticide Programs is announcing a virtual public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on May 20–21, 2020, with participation by phone and webcast only. There will be no in person gathering for this meeting.

May 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• EPA Grant to Arkansas State Plant Board Will Improve Pesticide Programs
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a grant to the Arkansas State Plant Board for $55,346. The funds will be used to enhance management and software systems that support the state’s pesticide programs. EPA is providing the funding as a multipurpose grant under a cooperative agreement. (May 1)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of acetochlor, ethofumesate, fipronil, forchlorfenuron, halohydantoins, inorganic sulfites, novaluron, oxadiazon, peroxy compounds, peroxyoctanoic acid, picloram, rotenone, sodium percarbonate, spiromesifen, thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim. In addition, the agency will not be publishing draft risk assessments for spirodiclofen because all products containing that active ingredient are subject to cancellation effective December 31, 2020. (May 4)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Rodenticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of brodifacoum, bromadiolone, bromethalin, cholecalciferol, chlorophacinone, difenacoum, difethialone, diphacinone and diphacinone sodium salt, and warfarin and warfarin sodium salt. (May 4)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of 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 a February 4, 2020 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 February 4, 2020 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 received one comment on the notice, but it did not merit its further review of the request. 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. (May 4)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice 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: Bifenthrin, boscalid, chlorine gas, clopyralid, Coniothyrium species, cyfluthrin and beta-cyfluthrin, cyproconazole, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, ethoxyquin, etoxazole, fenpropathrin, flower oils, fluazifop-P-butyl, formetanate hydrochloride, Gliocladium species, mecoprop, permethrin, phenol and salts, phenothrin, pinoxaden, prallethrin, pyraclostrobin, pyraflufenethyl, mandipropamid, tau-fluvalinate, terbuthylazine, thiabendazole and salts, vegetable oils. (May 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. (May 5)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s preliminary work plans for the following chemicals: Chlorantraniliprole and sodium hydroxide. With this document, the EPA is opening the public comment period for registration review for these chemicals. (May 5)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (May 8)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides for Several Isothiazolinones; Notice of Availability 
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and ecological risk assessments for the registration review of Methylisothiazolinone/ Chloromethylisothiazolinone (MIT/ CMIT), Octhilinone (OIT), Benzisothiazolin-3-one, 3(2H)- Isothiazolone (BIT), 1,2-Benzisothiazol3(2H)-one,2-butyl (BBIT), and 3(2H)- isothiazolone, 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl- (DCOIT). (May 14) 

• Acequinocyl; Pesticide Tolerances 
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of acequinocyl in or on the bushberry subgroup 13–07B. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 15) 

• Isoxaben; Pesticide Tolerances 
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of isoxaben in or on the caneberry subgroup 13–07A and hop, dried cones. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 15) 

• Fluridone; Pesticide Tolerances 
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluridone in or on avocados, mandarins, pomegranates, pistachios, and the stone fruit group (crop group 12). SePRO Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 18)

• Methyl Mercaptan; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of methyl mercaptan in or on all food commodities when methyl mercaptan is used as a gopher repellent in irrigation lines in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Acqua Concepts, Inc. (d/b/a Ag Water Chemical) 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 methyl mercaptan under FFDCA.

• Pesticide Registration Review; Interim Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability 
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decisions for the following chemicals: 2-Phenethyl propionate, ammonium bromide, Bacillus sphaericus, chloropicrin Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Cuelure [2-butanone, 4 (4-acetyloxy)-acetate], cyazofamid, Extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis, fluroxypyr, flumethrin, glycolic acid and salts, iodine and iodophors, Methyl Anthranilate, momfluorothrin, oxamyl, pelargonic acid, salts and esters, phenmedipham, Phosphoric acid and its salts, pyridaben, Pythium oligandrum DV 74, Straight Chain Lepidopteran Pheromones, sethoxydim, tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), thymol, tralopyril, and triclosan. In addition, it announces the closure of the registration review case for Phytophthora palmivora because the last U.S. registrations for this pesticide have been canceled. (May 19) 

• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Neonicotinoid Pesticides; Re-Opening of Comment Period 
  EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of February 3, 2020, concerning the availability of EPA’s Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision for several neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam; hereafter referred to as ‘‘neonicotinoids’’). The neonicotinoids were opened for a 60-day public comment period that concluded on April 3, 2020. However, a 30-day extension to the public comment period was granted, which concluded on May 4, 2020. This notice re-opens the public comment for an additional 30 days, from May 19, 2020 to June 18, 2020. This action to extend the public comment period is being taken after receiving public comments requesting additional time to review the Neonicotinoids’ Proposed Interim Registration Review Decisions and supporting materials citing the quantity and complexity of the Proposed Interim Decisions and supporting documents, as well as difficulty of commenting due to time and resource constraints. (May 19) 

• Dipropylene Glycol and Triethylene Glycol; Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance 
  EPA is proposing to exempt residues of the antimicrobial pesticide ingredients dipropylene glycol and triethylene glycol from the requirement of a tolerance when used on or applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. This rulemaking is proposed on the Agency’s own initiative under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to address residues identified as part of the Agency’s registration review program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (May 22)

• 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. (May 27) 

• Dinotefuran; Receipt of Applications for Emergency Exemptions, Solicitation of Public Comment 
  EPA has received specific exemption requests from the Maryland and Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to use the pesticide dinotefuran (CAS No. 165252–70–0) to treat up to 3,730; 24,973; and 29,000 acres, respectively, of pome and stone fruits to control the brown marmorated stinkbug. The Applicants propose uses which are supported by the Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) program and have been requested in 5 or more previous years, and petitions for tolerances have not yet been submitted to the Agency. EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemptions. (May 27)

• Flonicamid; Pesticide Tolerances 
  This regulation revises the tolerance for residues of flonicamid in or on Leafy greens subgroup 4–16A, except spinach. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (May 28)

• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities 
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (May 29)

• 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. (May 29)

• Pesticide Product Registrations; 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. (May 29)

• Fayetteville Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 related FEDERAL Offense For Selling Unregistered Pesticides on eBay 
  Rong Sun, who sold an unregistered pesticide as protection against viruses such as COVID-19, has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). “This case shows that consumers need to be cautious of products that make unsubstantiated claims of controlling viruses,” said Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine.  “EPA and our law enforcement partners continue to work to stop the sale of these illegal products.  Consumers can help protect themselves by visiting epa.gov/coronavirus for a list of approved products.” (May 29) 

April 28, 2020

Announcing AgSTAR’s New Digester Project Development Handbook
For 26 years, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) AgSTAR Program has been helping farmers and communities across the United States develop and implement anaerobic digestion (AD)/biogas systems. These systems are critical for reducing methane emissions from manure management operations, while also providing other environmental and economic benefits. As a trusted partnership program, AgSTAR helps educate the public on best practices for designing, implementing and maintaining digester projects and brings together leading experts to discuss opportunities and challenges for advancing the biogas industry.
AgSTAR’s newest resource, the Anaerobic Digester Project Development Handbook, is a comprehensive compilation of the latest knowledge in the industry on best practices for AD/biogas systems. Developed with extensive feedback from experts in AD/biogas system project development, the goal of the Handbook is to ensure long-term project success for AD biogas systems by providing background and a framework for AD project development. Digester Project Handbook: https://www.epa.gov/agstar/agstar-project-development-handbook.  Ten keys to digester success: https://www.epa.gov/agstar/10-keys-digester-success

April 22, 2020

U.S. EPA honors Southern California and Arizona students with President’s Environmental Youth Award 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) to a student project led by Lila Copeland, 17, of Ocean Preparatory High School in Los Angeles.  The award, one of 17 given nationwide to projects involving 200 students, honors exceptional contributions to environmental education and stewardship. 

April 17, 2020

EPA Announces Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for State, Local, and Tribal Governments 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating its coronavirus website to include new resources for state, local, and tribal agencies and intergovernmental associations. These resources will help EPA and its partners continue to provide the environmental protection the nation depends on without interruption during the coronavirus public health emergency.  

April 16, 2020

EPA Smart Sectors Program Releases Additional “Sector Snapshots”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released “sector snapshots” for eight industries participating in the Smart Sectors Program. The sector snapshot is a web-based tool that shows historical environmental and economic performance on a sector basis. Users can interact with data that include a range of up to 30 different combinations of environmental and economic parameters to view trends over time.

April 15, 2020

EPA at 50: EPA Celebrates 50 Years of Earth Day 
 As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 50th anniversary commemoration, the agency is kicking off its monthly series with a look at the history of Earth Day in America. 
 
EPA Awards Nearly $2.5M to North Central Texas Council of Governments to Help Reduce Diesel Emissions 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a cooperative agreement with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) to fund diesel emissions-reduction programs. The agreement provides $2,494,496 to replace diesel-powered engines and equipment in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise, Hood and Navarro Counties. The funding is provided under the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. 

April 14, 2020

EPA awards over $9 million in GLRI funding for projects to reduce excess nutrients in the Great Lakes
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced fifteen Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grants totaling $9,056,711 to fund projects addressing excess nutrient runoff from nonpoint sources, including stormwater and agriculture, to the Great Lakes.  

EPA Proposes to Retain NAAQS for Particulate Matter
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its proposal to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) including both fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10). This proposal comes after careful review and consideration of the most current available scientific evidence and risk and exposure information, and with consultation and confirmation by the agency’s independent science advisors.

What They Are Saying: EPA Proposes to Retain NAAQS for Particulate Matter 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposal to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) including both fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10). This proposal comes after careful review and consideration of the most current available scientific evidence and risk and exposure information, and with consultation and confirmation by the agency’s independent science advisors. Public Officials Voice Support for EPA's Action. 

April 13, 2020

Latest Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks Shows Long-Term Reductions, with Annual Variation
The 2020 edition of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) comprehensive annual report on nationwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, released today, shows that since 2005, national greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 10%, and power sector emissions have fallen by 27% -- even as our economy grew by 25%.

April 10, 2020

Autographa Californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus Strain R3; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus strain R3 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. AgBiTech Pty Ltd. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus strain R3 in or on all food commodities under FFDCA.

April 7, 2020

EPA to Maintain WaterSense Program Specifications
After a review of WaterSense specifications as directed by America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that the agency will not make updates or changes to the program specifications.

April 1, 2020

EPA solicits grant applications for recycling and food waste reduction projects
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 is now accepting applications for Sustainable Materials Management Grants to fund recycling markets or food waste reduction projects in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Proposed projects must focus on enhancing plastics and paper recycling markets or preventing food waste or diverting it from landfills. EPA plans to award grants $30,000 - $60,000 to fund three or four projects.

April 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations
  In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw its requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registrations have been cancelled only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. (April 3)
• 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. (April 3)
• Pesticide Reregistration Performance Measures and Goals; Annual Progress Report; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s progress report in meeting its performance measures and goals for pesticide reregistration during fiscal year 2017. This progress report also presents the total number of products registered under the ‘‘fasttrack’’ provisions of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (April 6)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (February 2020)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (April 15)
• 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 (April 17)
• Banda de Lupinus Albus Doce (BLAD); Proposal To Revoke Exemption and Establish Pesticide Tolerances; Reopening of Comment Period
  EPA issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register of February 11, 2020, concerning the revocation of an existing tolerance exemption and establishment of pesticide tolerances for residues of the fungicide BLAD. This document reopens and extends the comment period to July 12, 2020. Consumo Em Verde S.A., Biotecnologia De Plantas, Parque Technologico de Cantanhede (CEV) formally requested a 90-day extension of the public comment period to permit it reasonable time to respond to the proposed rule. (April 21)
• EPA Grant to Texas Department of Agriculture Will Support Pesticide Safety
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a grant to the Texas Department of Agriculture for $73,056. The funds will be used to support a variety of pesticide training and inspection programs. EPA is providing the funding as a multipurpose grant under a cooperative agreement. (April 30)

March 30, 2020

EPA Encourages Americans to Only Flush Toilet Paper
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging all Americans to only flush toilet paper, not disinfecting wipes or other non-flushable items that should be disposed of in the trash. Flushing only toilet paper helps ensure that the toilets, plumbing, sewer systems and septic systems will continue working properly to safely manage our nation’s wastewater. While EPA encourages disinfecting your environment to prevent the spread of COVID-19, never flush disinfecting wipes or other non-flushable items. These easy steps will keep surfaces disinfected and wastewater management systems working for all Americans.

March 24, 2020

EPA Celebrates America’s Farmers and Ranchers on National Agriculture Day
Today and every day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appreciates America’s rich agricultural history and celebrates the work of American farmers and ranchers. In honor of National Agriculture Day and Week, the agency is highlighting the progress that farmers, ranchers and EPA have made to provide Americans with a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply.

March 23, 2020

EPA Seeking to Fund Innovative Solutions for Preventing Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is calling on states, federally recognized tribes, universities, local governments, and other groups to apply for funding support through the Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program. Grants awarded under this program will support innovative solutions for source reduction or pollution prevention (P2) through research, education, training, or certain other methods.

March 19, 2020

EPA Extends Comment Period on Draft Clean Water Act Permit for Great Bay until May 8, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period on the draft Clean Water Act permit for New Hampshire's Great Bay by 30 days to allow for additional input from stakeholders. The new deadline for members of the public to submit comments to EPA is May 8, 2020. If finalized as proposed, EPA believes this draft permit could result in significant decreases in nitrogen discharges to New Hampshire's Great Bay estuary, improving water quality and the health of ecosystems throughout the estuary.

March 18, 2020

EPA Awards $2.3 Million in Funding for Small Businesses to Develop Innovative Environmental Technologies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $2.3 million in funding for 23 contracts with small businesses through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop technologies that will help protect human health and the environment. This year's funded technologies are focused on clean and safe water, air quality monitoring, land revitalization, homeland security, sustainable materials management, and safer chemicals.

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Solvent Extraction for Vegetable Oil Production Residual Risk and Technology Review
This action finalizes the residual risk and technology review (RTR) conducted for the Solvent Extraction for Vegetable Oil Production source category regulated under national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP). Based on the results of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) risk review, the Agency is finalizing the decision that risks due to emissions of air toxics from this source category are acceptable and that the current NESHAP provides an ample margin of safety to protect public health.

March 10, 2020

U.S. EPA requires San Francisco-based Wilbur-Ellis to properly manage agricultural pesticides throughout California, New Mexico
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Wilbur-Ellis for the improper storage, labeling and containment of bulk agricultural pesticides at its facilities in Willows, Helm and El Nido, California, and Farmington, New Mexico. The firm, a pesticide re-packager and distributor, has corrected all identified compliance issues and agreed to a systematic evaluation of the company’s overall compliance system and subsequent firm-wide implementation of improvements to its management systems, and stopped repackaging pesticides altogether at three of the four facilities. In addition, the company will pay $73,372 in civil penalties.

March 6, 2020

EPA Grant to Houston-Galveston Area Council Will Reduce Diesel Emissions
Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a cooperative agreement with the Houston-Galveston Area Council of local governments to fund diesel emissions-reduction work. The agreement provides $333,740 to replace certain diesel-powered engines in Southeast Texas. The funding is provided under the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.

March 3, 2020

EPA Publishes “Story Map” Illustrating Progress and Continued Efforts to Protect America’s Waters

At an event hosted by the National Ground Water Association in Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Dave Ross highlighted the agency’s efforts to protect the nation’s waters as part of EPA’s 50th anniversary celebration. Throughout the month of February, EPA highlighted accomplishments and issued new announcements that demonstrate the agency’s continued commitment to drinking water and surface water protection. Today, EPA published a “story map” to illustrate progress and continued efforts to protect America’s waters.

March 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request
  This notice announces EPA’s receipt of application 89850–EUP–R from SemiosBio Technologies, Inc., requesting an experimental use permit (EUP) for lavandulyl senecioate. EPA has determined that the permit may be of regional or national significance. Therefore, because of the potential significance, EPA is seeking comments on this application. (March 2)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (December 2019)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (March 2)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for a New Active Ingredient (December 2019)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing an active ingredient not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (March 2)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (January 2020)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (March 3)
• 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. (March 3)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (January 2020)
  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. (March 3)
• Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerance AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of trifloxystrobin in or on pea and bean, dried shelled, except soybean, subgroup 6C. Bayer CropScience requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (March 6)
• Penoxsulam; Pesticide Tolerance
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of penoxsulam in or on globe artichoke. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (March 9)
• U.S. EPA requires San Francisco-based Wilbur-Ellis to properly manage agricultural pesticides throughout California, New Mexico
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Wilbur-Ellis for the improper storage, labeling and containment of bulk agricultural pesticides at its facilities in Willows, Helm and El Nido, California, and Farmington, New Mexico. The firm, a pesticide re-packager and distributor, has corrected all identified compliance issues and agreed to a systematic evaluation of the company’s overall compliance system and subsequent firm-wide implementation of improvements to its management systems, and stopped repackaging pesticides altogether at three of the four facilities. In addition, the company will pay $73,372 in civil penalties. (March 10)
• Cyazofamid; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of cyazofamid in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. The Interregional Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (March 18)
• U.S. EPA Acts to Protect the Public from Unregistered “Virus Shut Out” Product Imported into Honolulu and Guam
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has prevented several shipments of an illegal health product from entering U.S. Pacific ports under federal pesticide laws. The item, Virus Shut Out, is not registered with the EPA. Therefore, its safety and efficacy against viruses have not been evaluated.  In addition, its labeling – including directions for use – is not provided in the English language as required by law, and on-line advertising materials contain misleading claims about its safety and effectiveness. (March 25)
• 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. (March 27)

February 20, 2020

EPA and USDA Announce Continued Commitment to Support Rural Water Systems
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will help rural water systems face the challenges of aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, limited management capacity and declining rate bases. Through this MOA, EPA and USDA will conduct joint activities to help rural water systems continue to provide access to safe drinking water and protect their water resources.

February 10, 2020

EPA FY 2021 Budget Proposal Released
President Trump released his proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget, which includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The President’s Budget provides $6.658 billion to support the agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. The Budget maintains the Administration’s focus on EPA’s core mission – providing Americans with clean air, land and water, and ensuring chemical safety, while targeting emerging domestic and global environmental challenges. The FY 2021 Budget coincides with EPA’s 50th anniversary, which will be officially celebrated on December 2, 2020.

February 7, 2020

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) Notice of Charter Renewal
Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. 2, the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) is in the public interest and is necessary in connection with the performance of EPA’s duties. Accordingly, the FRRCC will be renewed for an additional two year period. The purpose of the FRRCC is to provide advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. Inquiries may be directed to Hema Subramanian, Designated Federal Officer for the FRRCC, U.S. EPA, (Mail Code 1101A), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460, or FRRCC@epa.gov.

February 6, 2020

Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2020 and Biomass Based Diesel Volume for 2021 and Other Changes
Under section 211 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set renewable fuel percentage standards every year. This action establishes the annual percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel that apply to gasoline and diesel transportation fuel produced or imported in the year 2020.

U.S. EPA, Central Coast Growers, Federal & State Partners Join Healthy Soils Dialogue
In Santa Ynez, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met with federal and state agencies and leaders from the region’s agriculture and food production industries to make progress on on-farm composting. Representatives from Central Coast farm and producer organizations joined a roundtable discussion with representatives from EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

February 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Registration Review; Interim Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decisions for the following chemicals: 2,4–DB, 3–MCH, aliphatic solvents, alkyl imidazolines, bromoxynil, buprofezin, chondrostereum purpureum, diflubenzuron, dikegulac sodium, diquat dibromide, fluthiacet-methyl, hydramethylnon, inorganic polysulfides (also known as calcium polysulfide or lime sulfur), IR3535, lufenuron, oBenzyl-p-Chlorophenol, octenol, PMD, Potato Leaf Roll Virus Resistance Gene, starlicide (DRC–1339), trifluralin, tri-n butyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride (TTPC), uniconazole-p, zinc and zinc salts, and zoxamide. In addition, it announces the closure of the registration review case for 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7- triaza-1-azoniaadamantane (CTAC) because the last U.S. registrations for this pesticide have been canceled. (February 3)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Neonicotinoid Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice 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 acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. (February 3)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Interim Decision for Glyphosate; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s interim registration review decision for glyphosate. Registration review is EPA’s periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide’s registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. (February 3)
• Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Control of Emissions From Production of Pesticides and Herbicides
  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by Missouri on January 14, 2019. Missouri requests that EPA revise its rule related to control of emissions from production of pesticides and herbicides. These revisions include removing certain provisions from the rule, consolidating requirements, including incorporations by reference and revising unnecessarily restrictive language. The EPA’s proposed approval of this rule revision is being done in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). (February 4)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of carboxin, famoxadone (ecological assessment only), fenpropimorph, irgarol, naphthalene acetic acid (also known as NAA), propargite, telone (1,3-D), triallate, and triticonazole. (February 4)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Pesticide Dockets Opened for Review and Comment; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of the EPA’s preliminary work plans for the following chemicals: Methoprene, pyridalyl, and spirotetramat. With this document, the EPA is opening the public comment period for registration review for these chemicals (February 4)
• Pesticide Maintenance Fee; Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit III., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (February 4)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice 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-DP-p, aliphatic alcohols, alkylbenzene sulfonates, Bacillus pumilus, bromacil, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), fatty acid monoesters, MCPA, methyl bromide, pyroxsulam, tefluthrin, and thiencarbazone methyl. (February 4)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients (November 2019)
  EPA has received applications to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (February 4)
• Arizona’s Pool Water Products Inc. to Pay $800,000 Penalty for Federal Pesticide Law Violations
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Pool Water Products Inc. to address alleged violations of federal pesticide laws at its facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The company now has 30 days to pay $800,000. (February 6)
• Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (December 2019)
  This document 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 10)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (October 2019)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. (February 11)
• Banda de Lupinus Albus Doce (BLAD); Proposal To Revoke Exemption and Establish Pesticide Tolerances
  On May 29, 2015, EPA proposed to revoke the current exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of banda de Lupinus albus doce (BLAD) in or on all food commodities and to establish tolerances for residues of BLAD in or on almonds, grapes, strawberries, and tomatoes. Following the receipt of several comments, the Agency is reproposing this action in order to clarify its proposed rulemaking. In addition, since the publication of the initial proposal, the registrant has requested that the Agency establish tolerances for additional commodities. The Agency is undertaking this action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 11)
• Propanamide, 2-hydroxy-N, Ndimethyl-; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation established exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of propanamide, 2-hydroxy-N, N-dimethyl-, when used as an inert ingredient (solvent/cosolvent) in pesticides applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest, or in pesticides applied to animals, limited to 50% by weight in the pesticide formulations. Spring Trading Company, LLC on behalf of BASF Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an amendment to an existing requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of propanamide, 2-hydroxyN, N-dimethyl-, when used in accordance with the terms of these exemptions. (February 14)
• Acetamiprid; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of acetamiprid in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 14)
• Ethylenebis(oxyethylene) bis[3-(5-tertbutyl-4-hydroxy-m-tolyl) propionate]; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of ethylenebis(oxyethylene) bis[3-(5-tertbutyl-4-hydroxy-m-tolyl) propionate] when used as an inert ingredient (stabilizer) limited to 1% (by weight) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops, and raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of ethylenebis(oxyethylene) bis[3-(5-tertbutyl-4-hydroxy-m-tolyl) propionate] when used in accordance with the terms of this exemption. (February 14)
• Difenoconazole; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of difenoconazole in or on vegetable, root, subgroup 1A, except ginseng; vegetable, leaves of root and tuber, group 2; and tea, dried. In addition, this regulation amends the tolerances for residues of difenoconazole in or ginseng; cattle, liver; goat, liver; horse, liver; and sheep, liver. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 14)
• Cyantraniliprole; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of cyantraniliprole in or on strawberry. The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR–4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 14)
• Prohexadione Calcium; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances with a regional registration for residues of prohexadione calcium in or on alfalfa forage, alfalfa hay, and field corn forage, grain, and stover. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 14)
• Flutriafol; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of flutriafol in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Cheminova A/S on behalf of FMC Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 14)
• Chlorfenapyr; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of chlorfenapyr in or on basil, fresh leaves; chive, fresh leaves; and cucumber and increases the established tolerance on vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (February 14)
• Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (PP 8F8708)
  This document announces the Agency’s receipt of a corrected filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment of regulations for residues of indoxacarb in or on certain popcorn commodities. (February 25)

January 28, 2020

EPA and Army Deliver on President Trump’s Promise to Issue the Navigable Waters Protection Rule – A New Definition of WOTUS
At an event at the Georgia Department of Agriculture in Atlanta, EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker, Major General Diana Holland, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division, and Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black celebrated the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The rule provides a new, clear definition for “waters of the United States” (WOTUS)—delivering on President Trump’s promise to finalize a revised definition for “waters of the United States” that protects the nation’s navigable waters from pollution and will result in economic growth across the country.

January 27, 2020

ICYMI: EPA Administrator Wheeler and Assistant Secretary of the Army R.D. James Op-ed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army fulfilled yet another one of President Donald Trump’s promises by issuing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule on Thursday. The rule establishes a new definition for Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, and clarifies the limits of federal control under the Clean Water Act. 

January 24, 2020

EPA Joins Rep. Marshall for Navigable Waters Protection Rule Announcement at Kansas Commodity Classic
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford joined Rep. Dr. Roger Marshall at the Kansas Commodity Classic in Manhattan, Kansas, in celebration of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The rule provides a new, clear definition for “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), delivering on President Trump’s promise to finalize a revised definition that protects the nation’s navigable waters from pollution and will result in economic growth across the country.

EPA and Army Deliver on President Trump's Promise to Issue the Navigable Waters Protection Rule - A New Definition of WOTUS
With the 52nd annual Idaho Potato Conference and Ag Expo in Pocatello serving as a backdrop, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Chris Hladick and U.S Army Corps of Engineers Brigadier General Pete Helmlinger celebrated the debut of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The rule provides a new, clear definition for "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS)-delivering on President Trump's promise to finalize a revised definition for "Waters of the United States" that protects the nation's navigable waters from pollution and will result in economic growth across the country.

More Widespread Support for EPA and Army's Navigable Waters Protection Rule – A New Definition of WOTUS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James unveiled a new, clear definition for “waters of the United States.” With the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, EPA and the Department of the Army (Army) are delivering on President Trump’s promise to finalize a revised definition for “waters of the United States” that protects the nation’s navigable waters from pollution and will result in economic growth across the country. Here's what elected officials and stakeholders are saying...

January 23, 2020

U.S. EPA and Army Deliver Navigable Waters Protection Rule and Redefine WOTUS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Stoker, Col. Daryll Fust, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Deputy Commander, and U.S. Representative Paul Gosar celebrated the new Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The rule provides a new, clear definition for “waters of the United States” (WOTUS)—delivering on President Trump’s promise to finalize a revised definition for “waters of the United States” that protects the nation’s navigable waters from pollution and will result in economic growth across the country.

Correcting the Record: Media Erroneously Claims EPA and Army Jeopardize Wetlands & Stream Protection
According to multiple media reports, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which delivers a new, clear definition for “waters of the United States,” issued today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) erodes protection for “millions of miles of streams” and wetlands. While this conveniently fits the narrative they are trying to push, it runs contrary to the facts. There’s even a fact sheet easily and publicly accessible online spelling this out.

January 22, 2020

Trump Administration Recruits Six New Members as U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the addition of six new U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions. These champions are U.S. businesses and organizations pledging to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations by 50 percent by the year 2030. New champions in 2019 and announced today include: Browns Superstores, Compass Group, Giant Eagle, Hello Fresh, Las Vegas Sands, and The Wendy’s Company.

January 15,2020

EPA awards over $476,000 to New Mexico to reduce Diesel Emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded a $476,330 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant to the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter.

EPA, Delaware Sign Pact to Expand Efforts Supporting Clean Water, Healthy Farms
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Delaware Department of Agriculture today signed a five-year, first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand joint activities supporting the agencies’ shared goal of cleaner water and sustainable farms.

January 9, 2020

EPA, USDA, and FDA Launch Joint Website to Streamline Information about Agricultural Biotechnology Products
In recognition of National Biotechnology Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a unified website that provides a one-stop-shop for information about the actions the federal government is taking to oversee the development of agricultural biotechnology products. This new website is a key accomplishment under President Trump’s Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products.

January 7, 2020

EPA Draft Permit Will Significantly Reduce Nitrogen Discharges, Improve Health of Great Bay
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has issued a draft Clean Water Act permit for public comment. If finalized as proposed, EPA believes this draft permit could result in significant decreases in nitrogen discharges to New Hampshire's Great Bay estuary, improving water quality and the health of ecosystems throughout the estuary. Under the terms of the draft permit, which EPA developed in close coordination with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), 13 wastewater treatment plants in 12 New Hampshire communities would take steps to reduce nitrogen discharges to Great Bay.

January 2020 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

• Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
  EPA has granted emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted during the period April 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019 to control unforeseen pest outbreaks. (January 2)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Revised Interim Registration Review Decision for Sodium Cyanide; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s revised interim registration review decision for sodium cyanide. (January 2)
• Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Triazines; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decision. (January 2)
• Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
  This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of chromated arsenicals; creosote; dichromic acid, disodium salt, dehydrate; and pentachlorophenol. (January 2)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (January 3)
• Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments To Terminate Uses
  This notice announces EPA’s order for the cancellations and amendments to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (January 3)
• Fenhexamid; Pesticide Tolerances
  This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fenhexamid in or on multiple commodities identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR– 4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). (January 16)
• Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (November 2019)
  EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. (January 21)

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