Overview
Title
Chlorpyrifos; Final Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendment of Certain Pesticide Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA is stopping some uses of a pesticide called chlorpyrifos, but people can still sell and use what they already have until a certain date, so long as they follow specific rules.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the final cancellation of certain pesticide registrations and amendments for chlorpyrifos products, as requested by the registrants. This action, effective December 12, 2024, aims to terminate certain uses of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide, following a period of public comment and under the provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The order also outlines the conditions for selling, distributing, or using existing stocks of these products. EPA has determined that allowing the use of existing stocks for a limited time is not inconsistent with the purposes of FIFRA.
Abstract
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 chlorpyrifos products listed in Tables 1 and 2 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This final cancellation order follows a notice in the Federal Register of July 15, 2024, that announced EPA's receipt of and sought comments on requests from the registrants in Table 3 of Unit II to voluntarily cancel or amend these product registrations. In the July 15, 2024, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue a final cancellation order implementing the requests, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the comment period that would merit further review of these requests, or unless the registrants withdrew their requests. The Agency received one comment on the notice, which is summarized in Unit III.B. The registrants did not withdraw their requests for these voluntary cancellations and amendments. Accordingly, EPA hereby grants the requested cancellations and amendments to terminate uses as shown in this cancellation order. Any distribution, sale, or use of existing stocks of the products listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II are subject to the existing stocks provisions in this cancellation order and permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the finalization of a cancellation order concerning certain pesticide registrations and usage amendments for chlorpyrifos products. This regulatory action is effective from December 12, 2024, and follows a process that included public notifications and a period allowing for public comment, as required under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
General Summary
The EPA document outlines a decisive step to terminate specific uses of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide registered under FIFRA. These changes were initiated by requests from the makers of these products themselves, suggesting a voluntary compliance step with changing regulatory priorities or market demands. The order specifies how existing stocks of these products should be handled, setting deadlines for their sale, distribution, and use, extending to June 30, 2025, in some instances. This deadline marks a significant cutoff for stakeholders dealing with these stocks, intending to limit prolonged exposure to chlorpyrifos in the market.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The EPA's decision to allow the use of existing stocks until June 30, 2025, and to permit limited-time sales until specific dates, poses potential public health concerns. Although the transition was planned to mitigate immediate disruption, one public comment explicitly raised concerns about health risks to workers, bystanders, and consumers from continued exposure to chlorpyrifos. The EPA's response suggests that while they found the limited continuation consistent with FIFRA's purpose, public health advocates might see this as insufficiently protective.
Moreover, the complexity of the regulatory language and the presence of technical terms, like "FIFRA section 6(f)" and registration numbers, makes the document difficult for stakeholders without regulatory compliance expertise to navigate. This complexity may undermine effective communication to the general public and those directly impacted by these changes.
Public Impact
For the broader public, the cancellation order signifies the EPA's continued push towards evaluating and potentially removing pesticides that might pose risks to human health and the environment. It highlights the agency's responsiveness to the changing perspectives on chemical safety, albeit with some delays in full implementation to balance various interests.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For farmers and agricultural businesses, the order necessitates adjustments in crop protection strategies and could prompt a reassessment of pest control methods. This transition could impose financial and operational burdens due to the need for new alternatives to chlorpyrifos, especially for those relying heavily on its efficacy against specific pests.
Manufacturers and retailers of the affected pesticide products face stock management challenges, necessitated by strict deadlines for product sales and use. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with cancellation and amendment orders, which may include labeling changes and potential disposal of unsellable stocks.
Lastly, consumer safety advocates may view this as a partial win, as it reflects an ongoing regulatory commitment to mitigate risks, even if they believe the timeline for existing stocks could be stricter. This could stimulate further dialogue on pesticide safety and promote more proactive measures within the industry and regulatory bodies.
In conclusion, while this EPA action represents a structured approach to phasing out certain pesticide uses deemed risky, stakeholders need clear communication and ample support to navigate the regulatory and practical ramifications effectively.
Issues
• The document contains complex regulatory language that might be difficult for the general public to understand.
• The cancellation order includes specific dates and provisions (e.g., April 30, 2025, and June 30, 2025), but the details may be convoluted for stakeholders without expertise in regulatory compliance.
• There is only one public comment mentioned, which raises a concern about health risks associated with the use of existing stocks until June 30, 2025. The response to this comment may not fully address public health concerns.
• The timeframes allowed for the sale and use of existing stocks may appear inconsistent with effective protection goals, as highlighted by the public comment.
• There is technical jargon (like 'FIFRA section 6(f)' and product registration numbers) that may not be clear to lay readers.
• The document assumes knowledge of the pesticide regulatory framework, potentially alienating stakeholders unfamiliar with these processes.