PA EXPANSION ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION RIGHTS ON PEST. DECISION

PA EXPANSION ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION RIGHTS ON PEST. DECISION

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1996

EPA AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT EXPAND
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION RIGHTS ON PESTICIDE DECISIONS

EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice have settled a lawsuit brought to federal court by the United Farm Workers of America. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, EPA established a policy providing increased access through public notice. The new policy provides the opportunity for public comment before extending the time period for use of "existing stocks" of certain canceled pesticides. EPA and the Justice Department worked with farm workers to reach a settlement ensuring public involvement to extend the time period during which existing stocks of certain cancelled pesticides may be used. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, a manufacturer's registration of a pesticide can be cancelled if the pesticide poses an unreasonable health or environmental threat. At the request of a manufacturer, EPA can permit the sale and use of existing stocks of canceled pesticides.

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Release date:08/23/96 Receive our News Releases Automatically by Email