“EPA Proposed Certification & Training Regulation Changes”

On August 5, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal to revise the “Certification of Pesticide Applicators” rule. EPA administrators stated, “The rule would help keep our communities safe, protect the environment and reduce risk to those applying pesticides. Pesticide use would be safer with increased supervision and oversight. The proposed changes will help ensure that the riskiest pesticides are used safely”.

On August 24, 2015 the Federal Register Notice (FRN) was posted beginning a 90 day comment period on the proposed regulations. These proposed regulation changes affect pesticide users in all sectors (agricultural, structural, public health, and governmental) if the applicator uses or supervises the use of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP).

The link below will provide direct access to the EPA website where interested parties can review the FRN, Proposed vs. Current C&T Regulation Comparison Table (attached as an Adobe file), and the Preamble document.  The Preamble document provides detailed information on the proposed changes, the rationale for the changes, and procedures for your customers to submit comments directly to EPA concerning the C&T Regulations during comment period.

For more information and to comment on the proposed legislation, visit this link to the EPA website: http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/epa-proposes-stronger-standards-people-applying-riskiest-pesticides.

Corrie Bowen, MS

County Extension Agent – Agriculture

Wharton County

315 E. Milam, Suite 112

Wharton, Texas 77488

(979) 532-3310