California Ag Network

Tag: EPA

  • EPA Provides Regulatory Relief to Meat & Poultry Companies

    The Meat Institute applauded President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for stopping costly changes to wastewater regulations that would have closed meat and poultry processing facilities, driving up the cost of food, killing jobs and hurting rural economies.

    “This important decision by Administrator Zeldin ends a regulatory disaster that would have forced meat processing facilities to close, causing food prices to go up and hardship for livestock and poultry producers,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We are grateful for the swift action of the Trump Administration to put the consumer first and eliminate burdensome regulations that destroy jobs.”

    EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a final action withdrawing proposed revisions to the EPA’s Meat and Poultry Products Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) for wastewater discharged by meat and poultry processing (MPP) and rendering facilities.  Last amended in 2004, the meat and poultry ELGs currently apply to about 180 of the estimated 5,300 meat and poultry facilities nationwide. EPA estimated between 845 and 1,620 facilities would be subject to and incur costs should the proposed ELGs become final.

    To protect small and medium sized meat and poultry processors most likely affected by these changes, the Meat Institute joined the Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition which is made up of the Meat Institute, National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation, North American Renderers Association and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

    The Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition commissioned an economic impact analysis that found the Agency grossly underestimated the number of facility closures should the proposed guidelines be enacted from the 16 sites in the EPA estimate to 74 sites.

    The projected number of near-term job losses associated with these facility closures would increase from nearly 17,000 that EPA estimates in the proposal to over thirty thousand to nearly 80,000 direct job losses from plant closures.

    The proposed rule would have also harmed the relationship between MPPs and publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs). Indirect discharging MPP facilities often make significant financial investments in maintaining and upgrading the POTW or shouldering major surcharges for the POTW’s continued operation and maintenance, which reduce public treatment costs for residential ratepayers and improve the quality of local and downstream waters.

    “In January, the Meat Institute called on the Trump Administration to roll back onerous regulations that would reduce the upward pressure on the cost of food, said Potts. “Three of those top priorities to protect consumers have been addressed with today’s news demonstrating President Trump’s commitment to ending the damaging and inflationary policies of the Biden Administration.”

    About the Meat Institute
    The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.

  • EPA Enforcement Actions at 10 California Facilities Address Chemical Safety Deficiencies

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlements with organicgirl, LLC and nine other entities with facilities across California for claims of chemical safety-related violations under the Clean Air Act. All entities agreed to come into compliance with Risk Management Program (RMP) safety requirements and pay penalties, which total over $170,000.

    “Reducing risks from accidental releases of toxic substances is a core responsibility for EPA,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook. “As a result of our actions, workers, first responders, and communities throughout California will be made safer from chemical accidents.”

    organicgirl, LLC Consent Agreement and Final Order

    At organicgirl, in Salinas, which processes, stores, and distributes prepackaged salads, fresh-cut vegetables, and other food products, EPA found significant safety issues during an inspection in January 2024. The issues pertained to the facility’s anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system.

    EPA claims that the company violated the Clean Air Act’s Section 112(r) because it failed to promptly address critical safety recommendations and implement work safe practices; had an insufficient operation and maintenance program for the refrigeration system, resulting in safety issues such as corrosion of the equipment and deficient emergency ventilation system; and had inadequate documentation to prove that the facility’s system was designed to prevent releases of anhydrous ammonia, among other issues. organicgirl agreed to pay a penalty of $151,979 and come into compliance with federal law by addressing the remaining deficiencies.

    Anhydrous ammonia is a substance regulated under the Clean Air Act’s Section 112(r) as it, while an effective refrigerant, can cause serious, often irreversible health effects when released. In addition to causing potential impacts from inhalation or skin contact, this chemical is also highly flammable.

    Expedited Settlement Agreements

    In addition to the organicgirl case, EPA also completed several expedited settlement agreements to resolve the following claims of violations of Clean Air Act chemical safety requirements:

    AMVAC Chemical Corporation, located in Los Angeles, failed to maintain accurate chlorine equipment diagrams, sufficiently evaluate hazards associated with its chlorine process, and inspect chlorine equipment in accordance with industry standards. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $8,000 and came into compliance to resolve the claims.

    Fowler Packing Company, located in Fresno, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 to resolve the claim.

    Benecia Water Treatment Plant, located in Benicia, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and update emergency contact information in a timely manner. The plant agreed to come into compliance and pay a penalty of $1,800 to resolve the claims.

    Material Logistics & Services LLC, located in Carson, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,600 to resolve the claim.

    Both Cal Marine Fish Company LLC, located in San Pedro, and Southern California Ice Company, located in Torrance, failed to submit their Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and each agreed to pay a penalty of $1,200 to resolve the claim.

    Matheson Tri-Gas, located in Newark, failed to keep operating procedures readily accessible to employees who work in or maintain a process; failed to properly determine, correct, complete, and document actions and/or responses to the findings of a 2018 compliance audit. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $900 to resolve the claims.

    Both Cement Hill Water Treatment Plant, located in Fairfield, and PR Farms, located in Madera, failed to submit their Risk Management Plan report and each agreed to pay a penalty of $800 to resolve the claim.

    Background

    EPA’s Clean Air Act RMP regulations work to prevent accidental chemical releases in our communities and the environment. The RMP requires companies that use extremely hazardous substances to follow industry safety standards and to implement safeguards to reduce the likelihood of chemical accidents and dangerous releases, as well as have emergency response procedures in place should an accident occur. The regulations require owners or operators of covered facilities to develop and implement an RMP and to submit a risk management plan to EPA.

    More information

    Learn more about EPA’s enforcement program and how to report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations to the EPA.

  • New Resource to Help Farmers Navigate Changing Endangered Species Act Workplan

    Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), CropLife America (CLA), and the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA) are pleased to announce the release of a new resource designed to assist farmers and agricultural retailers in navigating the forthcoming changes to pesticide labels under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) Workplan.

    To support our stakeholders, we have developed a decision guide that will facilitate the understanding and implementation of the updated label requirements. This tool aims to provide clarity on new label language so that farmers and retailers can effectively comply with the new regulations while maintaining a focus on both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

    “These label changes will bring challenges, but they also present an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to responsible pesticide use and environmental protection,” said Daren Coppock, president and CEO of ARA. “We are excited to collaborate with our industry partners to help farmers and retailers access the support they need.”

    “Farmers and retailers play a crucial role in helping ensure pesticide products are used responsibly and effectively. By our associations coming together to create resources, we aim to meet a need that helps stakeholders feel confident in navigating new regulations,” said Alexandra Dunn, president and CEO of CLA.

    “CPDA is committed to supporting our members and the agricultural community in adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes and providing ESA mitigation tools such as Drift Reduction Agents (DRA’s) to reduce the need for No Spray Buffer zones where possible,” said Terry Kippley, president and CEO of CPDA. “We believe that this crucial industry collaboration to create resources will empower our industry to meet the needs of both environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity.”

    We encourage all industry participants to utilize this resource as we collectively uphold our commitment to responsible and effective pesticide use. Visit the ESA page on the CLA website for more information and other helpful resources.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

    About CropLife America
    Established in 1933, CropLife America (www.croplifeamerica.org) is the leading national trade association representing the pesticide industry. Our members drive innovation and sustainability by discovering, producing, selling, and distributing the essential pesticide products that empower American farmers to grow the world’s food. CLA can be found on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @CropLifeAmerica.

    About CPDA
    The Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA) based near Washington DC has been the voice for the generic crop protection industry for 35 years. Nearly 80% of US distribution for the $13 billion crop protection market and approximately 80% of the inert ingredients used in agricultural production in the US are provided by CPDA members. The association members are a network of basic inert manufacturers, adjuvant formulators, distributors, retailers, US pesticide formulators, and generic crop protection registrants and manufacturers who make their voices heard by working together. For more information, please visit CPDA.com.

  • EPA Settles with Hilmar Cheese Company Over Claims of Safe Drinking Water Act Violations

    Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Hilmar Cheese Company Inc. for Safe Drinking Water Act violations at its facility in Hilmar, California, located in the San Joaquin Valley. The company will pay a $92,000 penalty for findings of permit violations related to the Underground Injection Control Program.

    “Facilities that include underground injection in their operations must comply with all permit conditions in order to protect underground sources of drinking water,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director Amy Miller. “Ensuring that businesses comply with our regulations is critical to preserving vital groundwater resources.”

    Injection wells are used to place fluid underground into porous geologic formations for storage or disposal. The Underground Injection Control Program works with injection well operators throughout the life of an injection well to confirm their practices do not contaminate drinking water. EPA conducts inspections to verify well operator compliance with the injection permit or applicable requirements.

    EPA classifies injection wells into one of six types. Hilmar Cheese Company is currently permitted to operate two Class I Non-Hazardous underground injection wells at its facility and is permitted to inject non-hazardous “Class I” fluids associated with its cheesemaking operations. These non-hazardous fluids include brine (salt water), facility wastewater, concentrated salt, and chemical additives (which must be approved by EPA) for the purpose of facility and injection well operation and maintenance.

    EPA performed a virtual inspection of the facility in March 2021, and made findings of permit violations that included failure to:

    1. Report changes in pressure within the casing/tubing annulus for both injection wells;
    2. Maintain a minimum pressure of 100 psi on the annular space of one of its injection wells;
    3. Report data as required by the facility permit over two months.

    This enforcement action helps ensure continued operation at the Hilmar Cheese Company’s facility complies with its underground injection control permit and avoid contamination of underground sources of drinking water.

    Read the public notice for the proposed settlement here.

    Learn about EPA’s Underground Injection Control Program.

    Learn more about EPA Enforcement Actions and Results.

    Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region.

  • EPA Fines SJV Almond Grower for Clean Water Act Violations, Orders Restoration of Wetlands

    Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Edward Lynn Brown, owner of an almond orchard near Merced, California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act that impacted more than two acres of rare vernal pool wetlands . The settlement requires Brown to pay $212,000 in civil penalties and restore and preserve 15 acres of wetland habitat.

    On March 14, 2019, EPA inspected the site. Inspectors determined that earth-moving activities by Brown had discharged fill material into waters that flow into the San Joaquin River. This work had been undertaken without obtaining a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    “Grading and filling wetlands of the San Joaquin River Valley without proper permitting impacts water resources and endangers California’s unique native plants and animals,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “In a time of drought and climate change, it is essential to protect these rare and vital water resources and habitats from destruction.”

    Brown’s earth-moving activities from 2016 to 2020 involved building a retention basin and access roads and planting a new almond orchard. The impacts from these activities resulted in the degradation of over two acres of vernal pool wetlands adjacent to Parkinson Creek, a tributary of the San Joaquin River that bisects the ranch. This work violated provisions of a previous 2014 EPA Order, which had required Brown to notify the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of any proposed activity that may impact local water systems.

    A pond on the almond orchard that provides critical wetland habitat impacted by soil and sediment disturbances. (EPA photo)

    To mitigate these negative environmental impacts, under this settlement Brown has agreed to develop a plan for removing 1.9 acres of fill material, restoring, and enhancing 2.44 acres, and preserving 12.66 acres within an 81.39-acre area within the orchard.

    For more information on enforcement of Clean Water Act Section 309 visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/clean-water-act-section-309-federal-enforcement-authority.

    To view information on the 2014 Clean Water Act enforcement action, visit: https://archive.epa.gov/epapages/newsroom_archive/newsreleases/f7437d2c778475d685257d94006344bc.html.

    To view the 2014 public notice, visit: https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/region9/enforcement/pubnotices/pubnotice-merced-ranch.html.

    To view the proposed settlement, visit: https://www.epa.gov/publicnotices/edward-lynn-brown-merced-ca-proposed-settlement-cwa-section-309g-class-ii

    To view the Consent Agreement and Final Order, visit: https://www.epa.gov/ca/cwa-09-2022-0007-edward-lynn-brown-merced-ca-proposed-settlement-cwa-section-309g-class-ii

    Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.

  • State Warns Organic Farmers to Stop Using W.O.W. Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro Pesticides

    The state is warning organic farmers against the use of pesticides labeled as W.O.W Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro distributed by EcoMIGHT, as lab tests show that these products labeled as organic, natural and glyphosate-free do in fact contain potentially hazardous chemicals.

    Today, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) issued a notice to EcoMIGHT, LLC, a Florida-based company, that it may be in violation of state law by manufacturing, delivering or selling unregistered pesticide products in California. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) issued a Stop Use Notice for organic growers about EcoMIGHT products. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) also notified EcoMIGHT that it may be in violation of federal law.

    EcoMIGHT currently markets its products as “organic,” “natural,” “glyphosate-free,” and “non-toxic and safe.” However, state laboratory analyses of W.O.W. Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro products sold in California found that the products tested contain potentially hazardous chemicals including glyphosate, bifenthrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, and carbaryl. California registered pesticides that contain these chemicals go through scientific review and have specific requirements for use and personal protective equipment that protect workers, communities and the environment from harmful pesticide exposure. W.O.W Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro do not contain these safety instructions.

    “It is critical that we notify California employers, workers and residents, who may be using EcoMIGHT products about these safety concerns to prevent potential injury,” said DPR acting director Julie Henderson. “This includes ensuring pesticides are properly registered and labeled so you know if you are handling benign ingredients or need to use protective equipment – like gloves, goggles or respirators.”

    The synthetic chemical compounds CDFA laboratory analysis found in W.O.W. Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro products are prohibited for use in organic production by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program. Additionally, these products pose a public health risk because the products were found to contain hazardous chemicals not disclosed on their labels.

    “It is imperative that we alert California organic growers that these EcoMIGHT products contain substances that are prohibited in organic production, in order to preserve the integrity of the California organic label and to protect our growers,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

    DPR and CDFA investigations began in San Diego and Ventura Counties in June 2021, when local County Agricultural Commissioners alerted state agency partners of a potential concern with the EcoMIGHT products. CDFA’s Sacramento lab analyzed samples and DPR, CDFA and additional state and federal regulators are reviewing the lab analyses for potential state and federal violations.

    In addition to actions taken by California state agencies, U.S. EPA notified EcoMIGHT that it may be in violation of federal law by manufacturing, distributing or selling unregistered pesticide products. As part of its enforcement of the law, U.S. EPA registers pesticide products and approves label language before a pesticide can be sold or distributed. The agency’s goal is to provide clear directions for effective product performance while minimizing risks to human health and the environment.

    If you are aware of illegal pesticide use or concerned about potential illness from pesticide exposure, please report your concerns immediately to 1-87PestLine (1-877-378-5463), anonymously report using DPR’s mobile app CASPIR or reach out directly to your County Agricultural Commissioner.

    Read DPR’s Notice of Advisement to EcoMIGHT, PDF
    Read CDFA’s Stop Use Notice, PDF

  • Industry Input Needed: Aluminum Phosphide, Magnesium Phosphide & Phosphine Proposed US EPA Interim Registration Review Decision

    In September of 2020, the US EPA released their Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision on Aluminum Phosphide, Magnesium Phosphide, and Phosphine. There is a 60-day comment period on this decision with a deadline of Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

    In the review, the EPA has proposed mandatory buffer zones based on computer modeling. The proposed actions for phosphine and the metal phosphides would establish mandatory buffer zones around fumigation facilities into which bystanders may not enter during treatment or aeration of commodities post treatment. EPA is proposing a minimum of 10 feet for all fumigations and proposed buffers of 10 feet to 500 feet depending on application rate, facility, container size and other impacts of the fumigation procedures. These buffer zones could restrict your current uses of phosphine drastically, some to the point where you may no longer be able to use the fumigant.

    How does this impact the almond industry?  This decision impacts almonds, barley, grains, avocados, corn, cotton, lettuce, peanuts, pistachios, rice and more. Phosphine is a colorless gas used on commodities in storage and shipping to prevent losses due to insect and vertebrate (mainly rodent) pests. Phosphine is formulated as a pressurized gas stored in cylinders. It is the active component of the metal phosphides, released when pellets of metal phosphide interact with moisture in the air. Phosphine and metal phosphide products are registered for use on dried foods (e.g.: nuts, dried fruits, grains), on animal feed, and on processed foods (e.g.: candy, baking mixes, crackers, meats, dairy). Phosphine gas products are registered for use on non-food commodities, such as tobacco, clothing fibers, hair, wood, paper, tires, and beehives. Metal phosphide products are also registered for in-field (i.e.: greater than 100 feet from occupied buildings), in-burrow rodent control. Phosphine and the metal phosphides are applied as structural or space fumigants (e.g.: under tarps, in grain mills, in warehouses), vehicle fumigants (e.g.: railcars, trucks, containers), grain fumigants (e.g.: silos, farm storage, flat storage), and vessel/ship fumigants.

    Data from California for the years 2013 to 2017 indicate that an average of 19,900 lbs phosphine, 160,600 lbs aluminum phosphide, and 13,200 lbs magnesium phosphide were applied annually in California. The applications for all three active ingredients (a.i.s) were made to nuts (6,900 lbs phosphine, 50,200 lbs aluminum phosphide, and 67,000 lbs magnesium phosphide). Structural use including storage facilities and processing equipment (14,900 lbs aluminum phosphide, 300 lbs magnesium phosphide) was also reported. The remaining usage data do not specify a specific commodity. Similar records of usage data are not required by other states and are not available.

    Please take the time to read the below attachments and click the link to fill out the questionnaire which was developed by the manufacturer Degesch. This questionnaire should only take a few minutes to complete but is extremely valuable in responding to public comments and advocating on behalf of the industry. Time is of the essence, so we are asking for your assistance by November 30th.

    Questionnaire: Click Here.

    EPA Proposed Interim Registration Review Letter: Click Here.

    Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision Case Document: Click Here.

    Again, the industry has a deadline of December 22, 2020, to respond to the PID. Please complete your responses to the questionnaire by Monday, November 30, 2020.

    Feel free to distribute this link within your organization or to others who may be able to provide feedback on the PID proposals.

    If you have any questions, please call, Elaine Trevino at 209-300-7140 or Ed Hosoda at Cardinal Professional Products at 916-997-6045.

    For additional information please go to the EPA website at the following link: http://www.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation.

  • Public Hearing on Proposed New “Waters of the United States”

    Hearing will be held February 27-28, 2019 in Kansas City, Kansas

    Following President Trump’s directive to provide certainty to American farmers and landowners so that the economy can continue to expand while waters are protected, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) are moving to the next steps in proposing a new definition of the Waters of the United States. EPA and the Army will hold a public hearing on the proposed new “Waters of the United States” definition in Kansas City with sessions on February 27 and 28, 2019. All persons wanting to speak are encouraged to register in advance. EPA and the Army will also hold an informational webcast on February 14, 2019.

    Public Hearing Logistics: The Wednesday session of the public hearing will convene at 4:00 pm (local time) and will conclude no later than 8:00 pm. The Thursday session will convene at 9:00 am and will conclude no later than 12:00 pm.

    The public hearing will be held in the Wyandotte Ballroom of the Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101. Those interested in speaking at the hearing can register for a three-minute speaking slot. The last day to pre-register to speak at the hearing is February 21, 2019. On February 26, 2019, the agencies will post a general agenda for the hearing on the EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/wotus-rule/proposed-revised-definition-wotus-public-hearing. It will list pre-registered speakers in approximate order. Registration for the public hearing is available through the EPA website. Additionally, requests to speak will be taken the day of the hearing at the hearing registration desk, pending availability, and a sign language interpreter will be available for the hearing.

    Webinar Logistics: EPA and the Army will also hold a public webcast to explain the key elements of the proposed “Revised Definition of Waters of the United States” on February 14, 2019, at 3:30 pm EST. A copy of the entire webcast will be made available afterwards. Webinar registration is limited to 2,000 attendees so interested parties are encouraged to view with colleagues. Registration is available at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1548544876509260301.

    Background:

    On December 11, 2018, EPA and the Army signed a proposed rule providing a clear, understandable, and implementable definition of “waters of the United States” that clarifies federal authority under the Clean Water Act while respecting the role of states and tribes in managing their own land and water resources. The agencies have submitted the proposed rule to the Office of the Federal Register for publication.

    Oral comments and supporting information presented at the public hearing will be considered with the same weight as written statements and supporting information submitted during the public comment period. The agencies will take comments on the proposal for 60 days after publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register. Comments can be submitted online at https://www.regulations.gov. Please follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0149.
    More information about the public hearing, informational webinar, and the proposed rulemaking, including the pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice, are available at: https://www.epa.gov/wotus-rule/step-two-revise.

  • EPA Denies Petition to Cancel Chlorpyrifos Tolerances

    Exeter, Calif. – California Citrus Mutual was very pleased when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on March 29, 2017, that it would deny in full the administrative petition requesting that EPA revoke all tolerances and cancel all registrations for the insecticide chlorpyrifos.

    “We believe that sound science should prevail in the regulation of crop protection tools,” says CCM President Joel Nelsen.  Nelsen and members of the CCM Executive Committee met several times with EPA last year to convey the importance of chlorpyrifos in citrus production.  CCM, in conjunction with trade associations around the country, encouraged EPA to evaluate this product and all pesticides with transparent, science based studies.  “We believe this decision is a step in that direction,” said Nelsen.
    EPA was under court order to render a decision by March 31, 2017.  In a lawsuit brought by the petitioners to compel EPA to issue a final response to their petition, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had ordered EPA to rule on the petition by the end of this month.
    EPA will now focus its attention on updating and revising its human health assessment for chlorpyrifos under the standard procedures of the ongoing registration review process, scheduled for completion on October 1, 2022, in order to support future decision-making.
    EPA’s denial of the petition is supported by EPA’s own process, by statutory directives, and by established guidance for regulatory decision-making developed over four decades.  The regulatory process for assessing human health risks should be rigorous, science-based, and transparent.  The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FFDCA), and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) demand no less and EPA’s denial of the petition is aligned with these basic foundations of the regulatory process.

    Citrus growers rely on this valuable crop protection tool to control serious pests, such as the Asian citrus psyllid, that spreads the deadly HLB or citrus greening disease.  Chlorpyrifos also has established international standards that allow growers access to important export markets.

    About CCM – CCM is the only advocacy organization representing CA citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that impact them most. We are a voluntary, non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of the CA citrus industry by advocating for sound, reasonable policy that allows for fair competition in the market place. Our 2,500 members represent 75% of California 270,000 acre, $3.3 billion citrus industry.