E.P.A. Opens Transparency Window into Pesticide Registration Decisions

October 1, 2009

WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. is establishing a new transparent process that will allow the public to review and review on risk assessments and suggested registration decisions for pesticides. This expanded process will apply to all new pesticide active ingredients and 1st food uses, 1st outdoor uses, and 1st residential uses.

"This new process will give the public greater opportunity to participate and understand decisions about new pesticides," said Steve Owens, E.P.A. assistant administrator for the office of prevention, pesticides and toxic substances. "The Obama Administration's emphasis on providing unparalleled transparency at E.P.A. will increase credibility and strengthen the reputation of our pesticide registration plan while improving the public dialogue surrounding controversial pesticide registration decisions."

Starting October 1, 2009, for certain registration actions, EPA's risk assessment and suggested decision will be added to the public docket and made accessible for a 30-day public review period. Following the review period, E.P.A. will publish its decision and a response-to-comment document. By focusing public access on new pesticide ingredients and 1st food, outdoor, and residential uses, the public will have the opportunity to review on all major new exposure patterns for pesticide registration

Stakeholders now will get information sooner on reduced-risk pesticides being registered that can replace some of the older and often more toxic pesticides. The user community and the public will benefit from a broader understanding of the risk assessment and risk management processes associated with pesticide registration.

More information: www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/index.htm

There are currently no comments for this story. Be the first to add a comment!
Click here to add a comment about this story.