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US EPA need more time to decide to ban chlorpyrifos or not

California Pesticide regulators are proposing heavy restrictions — but not an all-out ban — on chlorpyrifos, used to treat crops like grapes and almonds. The insecticide, in use since 1965, has sickened dozens of farmworkers in recent years. Traces have been found in waterways, threatening fish, and regulators say overuse could make targeted insects immune to the pesticide.

"We've come up with a clear idea of when it's really needed and what are the alternatives," said Brian Leahy, director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. "We want to preserve this tool for when you really need it."

But he expects pushback from across California's agricultural industry, which leads the nation in production.

Joel Nelson, president of the California Citrus Mutual, said that because somebody misused the pesticide, everybody shouldn't be punished with restrictions. Nelson said regulators in Sacramento want to apply a "broad-brush approach," which isn't right. Alternatives pesticides exist, but he said they're not as effective and are more expensive.

The pesticide is sprayed on 60 different crops, which also include alfalfa, walnuts, oranges and cotton. Up to 2 million pounds each year are sprayed in California.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2012 enacted restrictions on chlorpyrifos, placing buffers around sensitive sites, like schools.

That wasn't enough for California officials, who say the history of companies not following the rules requires a proactive stance. No deaths have been reported, but the state cites 136 people reporting exposure to the pesticide between 2001 and 2011.

California's proposal would extend restrictions to all agricultural products containing chlorpyrifos, which federal officials said would make it the nation's most restrictive.

The public has 45 days to comment on the proposed restrictions, which could go into effect early 2015.