Agriculture News 2023

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 15, 2023

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

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

December 14, 2023

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

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

December 4, 2023

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

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

December 2, 2023

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

December 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

November 17, 2023

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

November 16, 2023

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

November 15, 2023

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

November 13, 2023

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

November 9, 2023

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

November 1, 2023

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

November 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

October 26, 2023

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

October 19, 2023

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

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

October 17, 2023

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

October 16, 2023

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

October 12, 2023

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

October 6, 2023

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

October 4, 2023

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

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

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

October 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

September 27, 2023

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

September 26, 2023

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

September 21, 2023

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

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

September 19, 2023

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

September 14, 2023

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

September 11, 2023

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

September 7, 2023

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

September 6, 2023

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

September 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

August 3, 2023

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

August 9, 2023

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

August 10, 2023

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

August 23, 2023

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

August 30, 2023

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

August 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

July 30, 2023

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

July 27, 2023

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

July 24, 2023

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

July 12, 2023

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

July 6, 2023

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

July 5, 2023

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

July 3, 2023

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

July 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

June 23, 2023

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

June 21, 2023

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

June 20, 2023

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

June 14, 2023

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

June 2, 2023

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

June 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

May 31, 2023

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

May 25, 2023

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

May 25, 2023

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

May 25, 2023

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

May 24, 2023

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

May 24, 2023

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

May 17, 2023

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

May 15, 2023

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

May 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

April 21, 2023

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

April 20, 2023

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

April 13, 2023

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

April 12, 2023

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

April 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

March 31, 2023

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

March 30, 2023

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

March 22, 2023

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

March 21, 2023

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

March 20, 2023

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

March 16, 2023

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

March 15, 2023

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

March 14, 2023

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

March 13, 2023

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

March 4, 2023

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

March 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

February 24, 2023

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

February 16, 2023

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

February 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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

January 3, 2023

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

January 2023 Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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