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EPA/OPPTS

RIN: 2070-AJ22

Publication ID: Fall 2007

Title: Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Revisions
Abstract: The EPA is developing a proposal to revise the federal regulations guiding agricultural worker protection (40 CFR 170). The changes under consideration are intended to improve agricultural workers' ability to protect themselves from potential exposure to pesticides and pesticide residues. In addition, EPA is proposing to make adjustments to improve and clarify current requirements and facilitate enforcement. Other changes sought are to establish a right-to-know Hazard Communication program and make improvements to pesticide safety training, with improved worker safety the intended outcome. The need for change arose from EPA discussions with key stakeholders beginning in 1996 and continuing through 2004. EPA held nine public meetings throughout the country during which the public submitted written and verbal comments on issues of their concern. In 2000 through 2004, EPA held meetings where invited stakeholders identified their issues and concerns with the regulations.
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 156 40 CFR 170
Legal Authority: 7 USC 136 7 USC 136w

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: The regulations governing the protection of agricultural workers, 40 CFR part 170, were promulgated in 1992. Since that time, stakeholders provided input on areas to improve the regulation, particularly to better protect agricultural field workers and handlers from pesticide risks. The need for change arose from EPA discussions with key stakeholders beginning in 1996 and continuing through 2004. EPA held nine public meetings throughout the country during which the public submitted written and verbal comments on issues of their concern. In 2000 through 2004, EPA held meetings where invited stakeholders identified their issues and concerns with the regulations. Stakeholders identified the need for a minimum standard of competency for all occupational users of pesticides as well as the establishment of standards for determination of applicator competency and continued competency.

Summary of the Legal Basis: 7 U.S.C. 136w

Alternatives: EPA is considering various alternatives to regulation change based upon stakeholder input. The Agency is in the formative stages of this regulatory effort, and alternatives have not been fully identified and evaluated.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: EPA will develop an economic analysis to support this rule.

Risks: This proposal would reduce the risks to agricultural workers from potential exposure to pesticides and pesticide exposure.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	12/00/2008

Additional Information: SAN No. 5006
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined	Government Levels Affected: Federal, State
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Kathy Davis Environmental Protection Agency Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Stop 7506P, Washington, DC 20460 Phone:703 308-7002 Fax:703 308-2962 Email: davis.kathy@epa.gov Richard Pont Environmental Protection Agency Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances 7506P, Washington, DC 20460 Phone:703 305-6448 Fax:703 308-2962 Email: pont.richard@epa.gov