EPA would need USDA sign-off on pesticide safety rules under new bill

What does this do?

HR 5564 requires the EPA to work jointly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture whenever it sets new pesticide safety rules, reviews an existing registration, or responds to endangered species concerns. The EPA would also have to publish a written cost analysis showing how any new restrictions would affect farmers and other users, and explain in writing whether it used or rejected data provided by the USDA.

Who does it affect?

Farmers, agricultural businesses, and state pesticide agencies would be directly affected, as the bill requires their economic interests to be weighed before restrictions take effect. The EPA, USDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service all have new coordination obligations under the bill.

Why does it matter?

The bill adds mandatory collaboration steps and public documentation requirements to a process that currently allows the EPA to act largely on its own. Decisions involving endangered species protections would also require the EPA to share feedback with wildlife agencies about how their recommendations affect pesticide users.

Where does it stand?