Overview
Title
Chlorpyrifos; Final Cancellation Order To Amend Pesticide Registration To Terminate Asparagus Use
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA decided that a chemical called chlorpyrifos can no longer be used on asparagus plants starting from January 2025, but people can still use up the leftover chemicals until mid-2025.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final cancellation order for the use of chlorpyrifos on asparagus, following a request by Gharda Chemicals International, Inc. The cancellation is effective from January 3, 2025, meaning the sale and distribution of existing stocks are allowed until April 30, 2025, and food use until June 30, 2025. The EPA received two comments on this action, one supporting the cancellation and another expressing concern about health risks posed by leftover stock. The EPA found these concerns did not conflict with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) due to limited existing stocks and time for use.
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby announces its final cancellation order to terminate asparagus use voluntarily requested by Gharda Chemicals International, Inc. (Gharda) and accepted by the Agency, for one chlorpyrifos registration listed in Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This final cancellation order follows a notice in the Federal Register of September 16, 2024, to voluntarily amend this product registration. In the September 16, 2024, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue a final cancellation order implementing the request, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the comment period that would merit further review of these requests, or the registrant withdrew its request. The Agency received two comments on the notice, which are summarized in Unit III.B. Gharda did not withdraw the request for this amendment. Accordingly, EPA hereby grants the requested amendment to terminate asparagus as shown in this cancellation order. Any distribution, sale, or use of existing stocks of the product registration listed in Unit II is 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 Federal Register details an action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to halt certain uses of a pesticide called chlorpyrifos, specifically its application on asparagus. This action results from a request by the manufacturer, Gharda Chemicals International, Inc., and aligns with regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Starting from January 3, 2025, there are provisions in place allowing limited sale and use of existing stocks of the pesticide until mid-2025.
General Summary
The EPA has issued a final cancellation order for the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on asparagus. This decision follows a request from the chemical manufacturer and considers public feedback. Key dates include the termination becoming effective on January 3, 2025, with remaining stocks allowed to be sold until April 30, 2025, and used for food purposes until June 30, 2025. The document discusses public comments, one in support of the cancellation and another raising health concerns from existing stocks.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The documentation presents some issues for consideration. The use of formal and legal terminology might make the document challenging for those not well-versed in regulatory language. Another point of concern is the potential lack of clarity for specific groups, such as smaller farmers and retailers, about how these regulations specifically impact them. Additionally, while public comments are summarized, the insights into potential health risks due to existing stocks are not thoroughly explored.
The document also references sections of FIFRA, assuming prior knowledge of this legislation. This could be problematic for those unfamiliar with its provisions and the EPA's scope of authority. It concludes by outlining provisions for the use of existing stocks, but these measures are scattered throughout the text, potentially hindering a quick understanding.
Impact on the Public
The cancellation order primarily affects individuals and organizations involved with the agricultural use of pesticides. For the general public, this regulation may signal increased attention to the safety and environmental impact of chemicals used in food production. Consumers might see this as a proactive measure towards ensuring a safer food supply.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For agricultural producers who rely on chlorpyrifos for asparagus cultivation, this decision could necessitate the search for alternative pest control methods. Pesticide retailers may also need to pivot their inventories and sales strategies given the limited timeline for the sale of existing stocks. The chemical industry might view this as a warning to reassess the viability of certain pesticide products.
On the positive side, environmental and health advocacy groups may welcome the EPA's responsiveness to health concerns, even though some believe more detailed action is required. This decision could set a precedent for future discussions and regulatory actions concerning pesticide use.
Overall, while the order promotes a gradual phase-out to mitigate disruption, it does highlight ongoing discussions and tensions between agricultural practices, public health, and environmental protection.
Issues
• The document does not indicate any financial spending or budget implications, so it is not possible to evaluate wasteful spending or favoritism towards particular organizations or individuals.
• The language of the document is formal and legalistic, which could be considered overly complex or difficult to understand for readers unfamiliar with legal or regulatory jargon.
• The document mentions the effective dates for the sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the pesticide, but it may be unclear to some stakeholders, such as small farmers or pesticide retailers, how these regulations affect them specifically.
• The document references FIFRA and specific sections within it without providing detailed context or explanation, potentially making it difficult for those not familiar with this act to fully understand the authority under which the EPA is operating.
• The document provides a summary of public comments but does not elaborate on the specific concerns raised about health risks, which might be an issue of concern for readers interested in health and safety implications.
• Details about the specific product registration affected (Pilot 15G Chlorpyrifos Agricultural Insecticide) are not immediately provided in a summarized manner; the reader needs to navigate through multiple sections to understand the scope of the action being taken.