| The
U.S. federal government on January 30, 2004 released proposed regulations that
would for the first time establish a formal, comprehensive multi-agency review
process to ensure that pest and rodent control products approved by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) continue to be available in a way that would not harm
endangered species. The proposed rule will allow the EPA to approve pesticides
without requiring duplication of scientific reviews by consulting with the National
Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Click
here to review the proposed rule. The
EPA has had to spend significant time and resources dealing with many lawsuits
against EPA accusing it of its failure to put in place an Endangered Species Act-compliant
process for registering and re-registering pesticides. It has wasted tax money.
Therefore, the EPA and other government agencies worked together to create a solution
that could streamline the pesticides approval system. Under the proposed rule,
the work that the EPA does in determining whether a new pesticide should be registered
could be recognized by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries
Service in determining whether the product is safe for endangered species. Agencies
working together can avoid duplication of efforts. This will result in the registration
of pesticides that work better and are safer for the environment. The
National Grange has the following statements in its Legislative Policy related
to this issue: The
National Grange recommends streamlining the approval process for minor use pesticides
by reducing the cost and time necessary for registration or re-registration. The
National Grange urges more review and study of a chemical before the public is
advised that an agricultural chemical may be harmful to their health. We support
increased research and education being done by the USDA and EPA to improve integrated
pest management.
PLEASE
TRY TO FILE YOUR COMMENTS NO LATER THAN MARCH 30, 2004 TO SUPPORT THIS
PROPOSED RULE THAT WILL MAKE PESTICIDES REVIEWS MORE
CONSISTENT AND ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY!
Send comments to:
Assistant
Director for Endangered Species
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401
North Fairfax Drive, Room 420
Arlington, Virginia 22203.
Attn: 1018-AI95
Email: PesticideESARegulations@fws.gov
| Sample
comment: | To
Whom It May Concern: I
am concerned about the continued availability of cost effective crop protection
products for the production of food and fiber in the U.S. I support the joint
regulation proposed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine
Fisheries Service to streamline the approval of EPA regulated crop protection
products. The joint regulation will reduce delay and duplication of pesticide
review by combining the expertise of these agencies and the Environmental Protection
Agency. I urge
the agency to make the rule final as soon as possible so it can ensure species
protection while limiting negative impacts on those who, like me, rely on the
continued use of crop protection tools.
Sincerely, (Signature)
(Name)__________________________ (Grange/Grange
name and number) __________________________ |
|
For
more information U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service website - Consultations with Federal Agencies If
you have any questions or comments please contact Legislative Research Analyst
Chil-Sook Hwang by fax: 202-347-1091
or by phone: 1-888-4GRANGE, ext 109. Thank
you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative program.
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Grange? For all subscription and circulation inquiries, Contact: Jonathan
Hill. | 
