Pesticide Broadcast (Newsletter)

Stephen J. Toth, Jr., Pest Management Information Specialist
Wayne G. Buhler, Pesticide Education Specialist

Volume 16, Number 8, December 19, 2006

EPA Authorizes Critical Uses of Methyl Bromide for 2007

In accordance with the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, EPA has issued final methyl bromide production and import critical use exemptions for 2007. EPA also authorized uses that qualify for the 2007 critical use exemption. The exemptions for continued production and import of methyl bromide will honor the U.S. commitment to obtain methyl bromide for American farmers, in a manner consistent with the Montreal Protocol, while protecting the ozone layer.

This action is authorizing 6,230,655 kilograms (6,230.7 metric tonnes, or 24.4 percent of baseline) of methyl bromide for approved critical uses during 2007, such as strawberry and tomato production, as well as commodity fumigation. The United States originally requested an amount equivalent to 29 percent of historic 1991 baseline consumption. A total of 26.4 percent of baseline, or 6,749,060 kilograms (6,749 metric tonnes), was authorized at the 17th Meeting of the Parties in Dakar, Senegal, in December 2005. The authorized amount was adjusted was to account for the increased use of alternatives among methyl bromide users.

Critical use exemptions are permitted under the Montreal Protocol for circumstances where there are no technically and economically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide. Further, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 direct the EPA to issue regulations to implement the provisions of the Montreal Protocol within the United States.

Allowance decisions for 2008 were made at 18th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in New Delhi, India during October 30-November 3, 2006. For 2008, the U.S. request was revised to 23 percent of baseline, and a total of 21 percent was authorized. EPA is beginning the notice-and-comment rulemaking process for the 2008 calendar year.

More information on the final rule: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr.

Source: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs, EPA Pesticide Program Updates, December 12, 2006

Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a covenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in your county.

Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Last modified on December 19, 2006 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.