The California Environmental Protection Agency
(CalEPA) announced that it plans to totally ban the use the chlorpyrifos at
some point in the near future. CalEPA issued interim recommendations
December to restrict chlorpyrifos use including a ban on aerial application
and requiring a 150-foot setback from houses, schools and
businesses. The agency has determined the restrictions are not practical
and a total ban is necessary instead.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget requested $5.7 to
"support the transition" to other pest control measures and is
proposing a working group to identify and recommend alternatives. A final
date for the use of chlorpyrifos has not been determined. The agency said the
process could take up to two years.
CalEPA jumped ahead of state lawmakers who were already considering a
ban on the product. CA SB458 (19R) introduced by state Sen. Maria
Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) would prohibit chlorpyrifos starting
in 2020.
Last month, the Ninth Circuit Court of appeals issued
a ruling giving the EPA 90 days to make a determination on a
petition from environmental groups requesting a ban on all
tolerances for the chlorpyrifos.
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that is used in more
than fifty fruit, nut, cereal and vegetable crops, and has been the subject of
activist group attacks and controversy for many years. The court ruling
stems from a petition filed in 2007 by the Pesticide Action Network North
America and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The EPA is currently reviewing the courts order.
 announced that it plans to totally ban the use the chlorpyrifos at
some point in the near future. CalEPA issued interim recommendations
December to restrict chlorpyrifos use including a ban on aerial application
and requiring a 150-foot setback from houses, schools and
businesses. The agency has determined the restrictions are not practical
and a total ban is necessary instead.){kind=small}
