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October 5, 2009

EPA Announces Public Role in Pesticide Registration Process

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

On October 1, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the establishment of “a new transparent process” intended to allow the public to review and comment on risk assessments and proposed registration decisions for pesticides.  According to EPA, this expanded process will apply to all new pesticide active ingredients and first food uses, first outdoor uses, and first residential uses.  Starting October 1, 2009, for certain registration actions, EPA will add its risk assessments and proposed decisions to the public docket and make them available for a 30-day public comment period.  Following the comment period, EPA will publish its decision and a response-to-comment document.  EPA states that, by focusing public access on new pesticide ingredients and first food, outdoor, and residential uses, the public will have the opportunity to comment on all major new exposure patterns for pesticide registration.  More information is available at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/registration-public-involvement.html.

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