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EPA official defendsdecision on pesticide ruling

An EPA official is downplaying fears over an appeals court pesticide ruling that has many farm groups up in arms. That according to areport on FarmFutures.com.

EPA Acting Assistant Administrator of Water Mike Shapiro responded to criticism of EPA’s decision to not request a rehearing on the rule. He says there are existing exclusions from permit requirements that are in the statute and not affected bythe court’s decision.

The American Farm Bureau, the National Cotton Council and several other groups have filed a petition with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals asking them to reverse or clarify the ruling. They’re concerned the ruling will require permits forpesticide uses even when applied in compliance with pesticide labeling laws.

EPA’s Shapiro acknowledged that some aspects of the court’s opinion may have broader applications. But he says EPA and water regulators in 46 states would try to create a general permitting systemthat doesn’t disrupt agricultural production, while also meeting public health and environmental goals.

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