FR 2025-00540

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a notice about a request it received from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This request seeks to use a pesticide, clothianidin, to treat up to 75,000 acres of young citrus trees. The intention is to control the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, a severe condition affecting citrus trees and vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid. This exemption application, notably resubmitted over multiple years, highlights the ongoing struggle to control this disease effectively with limited alternatives. The EPA invites public comments on this exemption request, which must be submitted by January 29, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The primary concern raised by this notice is the apparent reliance on clothianidin due to the stated "lack of available alternative pesticides and effective control practices." This dependency could discourage exploration of other integrated pest management strategies that might offer more sustainable solutions. Furthermore, with the application submitted multiple times without approval for registration or tolerance petition, it suggests ongoing unresolved regulatory or safety concerns. The document does not provide clarity regarding the factors contributing to previous decisions not to register or tolerate this use, leaving room for public uncertainty.

Moreover, potential impacts of the pesticide on non-target species and broader ecological systems are not discussed in the notice. This absence might contribute to public apprehension, particularly given wider environmental consciousness and concerns on pesticide use.

Public Impact

The document signifies a significant regulatory decision that could impact both agricultural practices and environmental health. Broadly, the public might experience varied consequences from this decision. Approval of the exemption could help citrus growers combat HLB disease, protecting economic interests in Florida's citrus industry. This provides some assurance regarding agricultural livelihoods and market stability. However, dependence on a single pesticide, especially with outstanding regulatory questions, invites concerns about health, safety, and environmental impacts.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Citrus Growers: The exemption could potentially safeguard their crops against HLB disease, mitigating financial losses which have been a recurring threat. The availability of an effective pesticide is likely to be seen positively within this group, especially in the absence of equally effective alternatives.

Environmental Groups: These stakeholders may express concerns about the environmental implications of authorizing the use of clothianidin, particularly around its effects on biodiversity and ecological health. The absence of addressed concerns regarding non-target impacts may attract substantial scrutiny.

Public Health Advocates: There is likely to be ongoing interest from public health perspectives due to questions surrounding the safety and regulatory status of clothianidin. Without detailed explanations for previous non-approvals, advocates may continue to press for stringent safety assessments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the EPA's notice regarding FDACS's exemption application for using clothianidin on citrus trees highlights a complex decision point straddling economic, environmental, and regulatory considerations. While the request aims to address a pressing agricultural challenge, the gaps in discussion about alternative solutions, comprehensive impact evaluations, and prior decision criteria leave room for cautious deliberation among stakeholders and the public. The period for comment represents an opportunity to influence a critical decision in the management of Florida's citrus industry and broader environmental health policy.