The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a streamlined registration review process for several low-risk biopesticides, including alpha methyl mannoside, Duddingtonia flagrans strain IAH 1297, Pepino mosaic virus strain CH2, isolate 1906, and sheep fat. These biopesticides, used in various agricultural, commercial, and residential applications, have been deemed to present very low toxicity, exposure, and risks to human health and the environment. The EPA is proposing that no further registration review is necessary at this time, with public comments invited until February 10, 2025.
Understanding the Streamlined Review Process
The EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs aims to enhance efficiency by focusing resources on higher-risk pesticides. The streamlined process allows the agency to bypass additional reviews for biopesticides that meet the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) standards. This decision is based on comprehensive reviews that confirm these biopesticides pose no unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment.
Biopesticides Under Consideration
The biopesticides in question include:
- Alpha Methyl Mannoside: Used as a plant regulator to enhance growth in various crops, it poses low risk to humans and non-target species.
- Duddingtonia Flagrans Strain IAH 1297: A fungal pesticide that reduces parasitic nematode infections in grazing animals, with minimal environmental impact.
- Pepino Mosaic Virus, Strain CH2, Isolate 1906: Protects greenhouse tomatoes from other viruses, with low toxicity and exposure risks.
- Sheep Fat: Used to repel animals like deer from plants, it is considered safe for humans and the environment.
Public Participation and Comment
The EPA encourages public participation in the review process. Stakeholders, including environmental and agricultural advocates, can submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The agency will consider all feedback before finalizing the registration review decisions.
Implications for Future Pesticide Reviews
If the proposed decisions are finalized, these biopesticides will continue to meet FIFRA standards without further review. This approach allows the EPA to allocate resources more effectively, focusing on pesticides that require more rigorous assessment due to higher risks.
In conclusion, the EPA's proposal to streamline the registration review of low-risk biopesticides reflects a commitment to efficient resource management while ensuring public health and environmental safety. The public is invited to participate in the decision-making process by submitting comments by the specified deadline.
