This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the enactment of the Food Quality Protection Act. The FQPA amended two sets of laws governing the U.S. registration, sales and use of pesticide products and the allowable levels of pesticide residue levels for food. The FQPA directed the EPA to evaluate aggregate exposure to risks of individual pesticides and cumulative risks of pesticides with common mechanisms of toxicity.
"In an effort to meet the arbitrary deadline imposed by the law, the EPA has rushed through some decisions which may have devastating impacts on producers left without viable pesticide alternatives," said Subcommittee Chairman Lucas. "The EPA is charged with making decisions based on the best available data. Unfortunately, some decisions have been made to accommodate pressure imposed through the political or judicial process, instead of the scientific process."
The Subcommittee also looked into issues that may be significant in the reauthorization of PRIA in 2008. PRIA amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and modifies the framework for collecting fees to enhance and accelerate the EPA's pesticide registration activities. The Act has facilitated a more expedited EPA review and pesticide licensing process. Since the enactment of PRIA, the EPA has reported the completion of 1,512 registration decisions out of 2,850 submissions subject to PRIA.
"Proper use of pesticides can help our farmers provide consumers with a safe, affordable, and reliable supply of food and fiber. Ten years ago, Congress and stakeholders worked together to pass the Food Quality Protection Act, and I believe we must continue our work to safeguard crops while protecting public and environmental health," said Subcommittee Ranking Minority Member Tim Holden.
Witnesses also discussed the ongoing discussions with U.S. and Canadian officials regarding the harmonization of pesticide labeling requirements between the two countries.
