EPA reopens public comment period on proposed interim decisions for neonicotinoids

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reopening the public comment period for 30 days on the proposed interim decisions for the neonicotinoids acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam.

EPA is taking this action to extend the comment period after receiving public comments requesting additional time to review the Neonicotinoids’ Proposed Interim Registration Review Decisions and supporting materials citing the quantity and complexity of the Proposed Interim Decisions and supporting documents, as well as addressing time and resource constraints. Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, EPA invites comments on the proposed interim decisions for 30 days. After carefully considering public input, EPA will issue the interim decisions.

EPA first announced availability of the proposed interim decisions for the neonicotinoid pesticides on Jan. 30, 2020. The proposed interim decisions contain new measures to reduce potential ecological risks, particularly to pollinators and aquatic invertebrates, and to protect public health.

Comments are accepted in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0750 at www.regulations.gov. More information available on EPA’s proposed interim decisions for neonicotinoids.

The public comment period will be open until June 18. The link to the EPA announcement can be found here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USAEPAOPPT/bulletins/28cbe3f

For active ingredient specific questions, contact the appropriate registrant:

  • Clothianidin: Burleson Smith, BASF (seed treatment) 919-433-7052 or Jeff Smith, Valent (seed treatment, soil, foliar) 602-999-1184
  • Imidacloprid: Frank Wong, Bayer (all uses) 703-362-5966
  • Thiamethoxam: Andrew Lauver, Syngenta (all uses) 712-887-1727
  • Dinotefuran: Tim Joseph, Landis International on behalf of Mitsui (all uses) 229-548-2809