Support urged for new EPA rule to streamline pesticide reviews

Improved review procedures have been developed to enhance protection of endangered species while maintaining access to pest management products needed for human, farm and forest health.

However, the new procedures need the support of stakeholders in pest management, whether private citizens, growers or pest applicators. All are urged to send a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency stating their support for the ruling.

The proposed regulations to improve the endangered species consultation process for pest and rodent control products were developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service in conjunction with the EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The proposal is that endangered species assessments be integrated into EPA's current registration and reregistration process of pest and rodent control products to conserve agency resources and ensure timely access by users to vital products.

In addition, the new regulations call for the federal agencies to work together so assessments are scientifically based and protective of endangered species but not impose unnecessary restrictions on professional and consumer users of pesticide products.

Comments are needed by March 30.

To facilitate the comment process, the Gowan Company has posted on its Web site form letters for concerned citizens, growers, pesticide distributors and pesticide applicators.

To access the site, go to www.gowanco.com and follow the instructions for a quick letter in support of the streamlined regulation that will be submitted to EPA.

--

Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.