October 6, 2025

APHIS Deregulates Corn Developed Using Genetic Engineering to Resist Certain Pests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on September 29, 2025, that it determined that MON 95379 Lepidopteran-Protected Maize (corn), which was developed using genetic engineering to produce two insecticidal proteins to protect against feeding damage caused by target lepidopteran pests, is no longer considered regulated. 90 Fed. Reg. 46546. APHIS states that its determination is based on its evaluation of information and data...
October 3, 2025

James V. Aidala Quoted in Inside TSCA Article “EPA Poised To Shut Down TSCA Program Despite Funding From User Fees”

On September 30, 2025, comments by James V. Aidala were featured in Inside TSCA’s article regarding expected pesticides program activities during the shutdown. Longtime former EPA official Jim Aidala, now a senior government affairs consultant at the law firm Bergeson and Campbell, drew a contrast between the TSCA program and the pesticides program, which receives significant industry funding through regularly reauthorized PRIA. One big difference, Aidala told Inside TSCA, is that the...
October 3, 2025

American Chemical Society Accepting Nominations for 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has begun accepting nominations for the 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. The awards are intended to promote the environmental and economic benefits of developing and using novel green chemistry. They recognize novel green chemistry technologies that reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances, use less energy and water, and improve the sustainability of products while demonstrating economic benefits. Although the awards were established in 1996...
October 2, 2025

USDA’s Spring 2025 Unified Agenda Includes Rules Regarding Biotechnology Products and Bioengineered Foods

On September 4, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published the Trump Administration’s Spring 2025 Unified Agenda. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Unified Agenda includes the following Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) rulemakings: Regaining Lost Efficiencies for Products of Biotechnology: According to the Unified Agenda item, this interim rule will create exemptions from USDA’s regulations for plants and microbes that are already subject to U.S....
October 1, 2025

APHIS Deregulates Moth Orchid Genetically Engineered to Produce a Blue-Purple Flower Color

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on September 4, 2025, that it determined that ISK-311NR-4 phalaenopsis (moth orchid), which was developed using genetic engineering to produce a blue-purple flower color, is no longer considered regulated. 90 Fed. Reg. 42737. APHIS states that its determination is based on its evaluation of information and data Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Limited submitted in its petition for a determination of...
October 1, 2025

Career Opportunity – Food Packaging and Cosmetics Regulatory Scientist

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and its consulting affiliate, The Acta Group (Acta®), are seeking a regulatory scientist with expertise in food packaging and cosmetics to join our growing team of regulatory consultants, scientists, and policy experts. This position will be a part-time position directed from our Washington, D.C. office, with the option to work a hybrid or fully remote schedule. Overview of Requirements Applicants should be experienced in all aspects of human health and...
September 30, 2025

Looming Government Shutdown Could Disrupt Chemical Regulation under TSCA

As Congress edges closer to another potential government shutdown, questions loom large about how federal agencies will manage critical regulatory responsibilities. For the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even a short lapse in appropriations and critical staffing could have significant consequences for the implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA is built around statutory deadlines. For example, there are strict timelines for new chemical reviews under Section...
September 29, 2025

Registration Opens for APHIS BRS Stakeholder Meeting on November 13, 2025

Registration has opened for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) annual stakeholder meeting on November 13, 2025. The meeting will be held in person at the National Agricultural Library (10301 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20705), with an option to attend virtually. The agenda includes the following topics: Fiscal year 2025 highlights; Restructuring changes; Petitions; Permits and...
September 29, 2025

Comments Due October 8, 2025, on Connecticut’s Draft PFAS Reporting Form for Manufacturers and Draft Order Regarding Labeling

Beginning July 1, 2026, Connecticut will prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of certain consumer products that contain intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) unless the manufacturer provides prior notification to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and labels these products. The consumer products are apparel; carpets or rugs; cleaning products; cookware; cosmetic products; dental floss; fabric treatments; children's...
September 29, 2025

Lynn L. Bergeson and Lisa M. Campbell Earn Highest Accolades from Chambers and Partners, Lexology Index, and Best Lawyers

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to announce that Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, and Lisa M. Campbell, Partner, have been recognized by a number of the leading legal ranking and peer- and client-review organizations, notably Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers, and Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal). Ms. Bergeson was awarded the highest ranking attainable, Band 1, in Chambers USA Guide 2025. This is Ms. Bergeson’s 21st year earning top marks...