As proposed, this regulation would have established Pesticide Management Plans (PMPs) as a new regulatory requirement for certain pesticides. Unless a State or tribal authority had an EPA-approved Plan specifying risk reduction measures, use of the chemical would be prohibited. The rule would also specify procedures and deadlines for development, approval, and modification of plans by States and tribal authorities. Several parameters of the program described in the proposed rule were reconsidered to determine whether the program could address water quality issues rather than groundwater only, and to determine the best partnership approach to implementation. During this period, the risk level associated with the named pesticides was reexamined and reduced. Moreover, since the proposal in 1996, many States have adopted the original concept and framework of Pesticide Management Plans and these programs are operational today. This experience and growth in knowledge has exceeded the requirements and specifications of the original proposal. Accordingly, EPA intends to withdraw the proposed rule in the near future.