The EPA has proposed delaying, by a year, the implementation of a pesticide-application rule made tougher under the Obama administration, said the agency in a press release. Last December, the Obama EPA finalized higher training standards for anyone in charge of applying certain so-called restricted use pesticides, or RUPs, under the EPA’s Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule.
The revised rule would require individuals to be at least 18 years old in order to apply the RUPs, and mandates annual safety training, among other things. But industry pushback convinced the Trump administration that the agriculture sector needs more time to implement the rule.
“In order to achieve both environmental protection and economic prosperity, we must give the regulated community, which includes farmers and ranchers, adequate time to come into compliance with regulations. Extending the timeline for implementation of this rule would enable EPA to consult with states, assist with education, training, and guidance, and prevent unnecessary burdens from overshadowing the rule’s intended benefits,” said a statement from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.
Speaking in support of the decision, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens said, “Administrator Pruitt proved today that the old way of doing business at the EPA is over and done with. We presented them with a problem, and they took quick action to begin fixing it.”