US EPA grants emergency exemption for certain registered pesticides in Indian Country

US EPA has announced to allow growers in Indian country nationwide to use certain registered pesticide products not currently available for use in Indian country to combat pests in emergency situations or when there is a special local need.

Under federal pesticide law, tribes and farmers in Indian country do not explicitly have access to the benefits of pesticide emergency exemptions or special local needs registrations (state-specific registrations). Pest control products permitted under these circumstances may be especially useful when growers in a particular region identify a pest problem that federally registered products do not currently alleviate. Lack of availability of these products denies access for growers and public health officials in Indian country to the same pest control tools that are available elsewhere in the United States.

Effective immediately, if all conditions of the program are met, growers in those areas of Indian country where the emergency exemption or special local need registration has been granted will have access to those pesticides approved under the program. Applicators should contact the local tribal authorities regarding tribal laws or regulations and comply with any applicable tribal restrictions.

This program marks the final step in the EPA’s efforts to make emergency exemption and special local need products available in relevant areas of Indian country. This decision is based on a successful three-year pilot program developed after long and careful consideration, in consultation with tribes, and with input from various stakeholders.