Engagement chances for the Public on Pesticide Administration Matters
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites the public to take part in its regulatory actions regarding pesticides, providing several avenues for engagement.
One of the key ways for public involvement is through public comment periods on registration and review actions. During these periods, the EPA opens comments on proposed decisions regarding pesticide registrations or reviews of existing registrations. For instance, during registration review, the EPA invites comments on draft risk assessments and proposed risk mitigation measures. Comments usually focus on implementation issues, experiences with the pesticide, or suggestions for alternative measures.
Another opportunity for public participation is the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC). This forum brings together various stakeholders, including the public, to provide feedback on pesticide regulatory issues such as registration review, labeling, pollinator protection, and more. Meetings occur approximately twice a year, are publicly announced, and open to everyone. They include public comment sessions where attendees can voice their concerns or perspectives. Comments can also be submitted in writing before or during meetings.
The Registration Review Program systematically reevaluates pesticides every 15 years. EPA announces these reviews with opportunities for public comment on both draft risk assessments and proposed risk management steps. Details and links to current review opportunities are available on EPA’s pesticide reevaluation page.
To effectively participate, the public should track EPA’s official announcements for comment periods, often published in the Federal Register and on EPA’s pesticide webpage. It's also crucial to prepare comments clearly, stating concerns and supporting them with relevant information or data when possible, while adhering to any character limits, such as the 4,000 characters noted for some submissions.
The public can also engage with the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel, which offers independent scientific advice to the EPA on a wide range of health and safety issues related to pesticides. Meetings are open to the public.
To submit a petition, the petitioner should provide their name and mailing address, along with contact information such as an email address, fax number, and telephone number. For petitions affecting pesticide tolerances under 40 CFR§ 180.7, specific guidelines for submitting a notice of filing of a tolerance petition should be followed. Guidance for submitting a pesticide petition is available on the EPA's website.
After receiving a petition, the EPA will contact the petitioner in writing to acknowledge receipt and conduct any other relevant communications. It's important to note that state lead agencies work cooperatively with the U.S. EPA to enforce federal pesticide regulations, respond to potential concerns, and offer additional information and support.
For more information on the state's role in pesticide matters and individual state agency contact information, visit the State and Territorial Pesticide Agencies website. To submit comments during an open comment period for an action, go to Regulations.gov.
In summary, the public participates in EPA's pesticide regulatory process by submitting comments during formal comment periods on pesticide registrations and reviews and by actively engaging in PPDC meetings, which serve as ongoing forums for input on pesticide regulatory policies and programs.
- During formal comment periods on pesticide registrations or reviews, individuals can express their concerns about implementation issues, experiences with pesticides, or suggest alternative measures, while adhering to character limits.
- In addition to commenting during formal periods, the public can also engage with the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) meetings, providing feedback on pesticide regulatory issues like labeling, pollinator protection, and more, during these forums.
