The California Department of Pesticide Regulation said on Wednesday that it is sending notices to pesticide makers that it will cancel registration of chlorpyrifos in the state because of “detrimental human health effects associated with the products’ use.” The move, part of a plan announced in May, “is all but certain to draw legal challenge from Corteva Agriscience,” the pesticide’s maker, said the Los Angeles Times.
Chlorpyrifos is used on dozens of crops, including corn, soybeans, fruits, and some vegetables, and to kill insects on golf courses, in greenhouses, and on utility poles. The EPA barred residential use of the organophosphate pesticide, which has been blamed for developmental disorders, in 2001, but decided on July 18 to allow its continued use in agriculture.
Pesticide registrants will have 15 days to request a hearing on California’s proposed ban. The process is expected to take two years to complete. Meanwhile, state officials appointed a working group that will find “short-term, practical solutions” for pest management by growers and write a five-year plan for “safer, more sustainable pest management tools, practices, and alternatives.”
Over the past decade, California growers have more than halved their use of chlorpyrifos, applying 940,000 pounds in 2017 compared with 2 million pounds in 2005. “Farmers have come a long way in reducing their use of chlorpyrifos, but development of alternatives for the remaining users will require significant investment and time for transition,” said state Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.
“It was unclear Wednesday whether the federal EPA could challenge California, which often goes its own way on many environmental matters, including auto emissions and climate regulation. An official from that agency was not available for comment,” said the Los Angeles Times.