Environmental Protection Agency September 26, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on the concept for developing a framework to improve assessments of potential risks to human and animal health where the use of certain pesticides could potentially result in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that compromises the effectiveness of medically important antibacterial and antifungal drugs. EPA is also seeking feedback on research gaps and other information to help inform the risk assessment and mitigation processes. The concept document was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and offices within the White House Executive Office of the President. A pesticide must be registered with the EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) before it can be legally sold or distributed in the United States. During the registration process, EPA considers whether the pesticide will cause unreasonable adverse effects on people or the environment. Because resistance is considered an adverse effect under FIFRA, the U.S. government is working to develop a structured and coordinated approach to assess and manage these risks. EPA is seeking public comment on a concept document for a proposed framework and on potential solutions, research, or mitigation approaches to reduce the spread of AMR. The agencies will consider feedback in developing a proposed framework that will also be shared for public review and comment.

As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is giving notice that it is establishing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council. The purpose of this committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on critical policy and technical issues to advance equity in economic and social opportunities for all Americans and strengthen the capacity of HBCUs and MSIs to provide the highest- quality education, participate in and benefit from federal programs, and support key Administration policies. The EPA has determined that this federal advisory committee is necessary and in the public interest to provide critical advice and recommendations to assist the EPA in increasing outreach to underrepresented and underserved communities by developing a stronger partnership with HBCUs and MSIs.