DEC Releases Proposed Regulation to Prohibit Pesticides Containing Chlorpyrifos

On January 27, 2021, DEC announced the release of a proposed regulation to prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and use of pesticide products containing the active ingredient chlorpyrifos. This proposed regulation will add chlorpyrifos to the list of prohibited pesticides in 6 NYCRR 326.2(c) of New York’s pesticide registration regulations. Furthermore, on December 31, 2020, the New York State pesticide registrations were cancelled for 29 pesticide products containing chlorpyrifos. These products can no longer be sold, offered for sale, distributed, or used in New York State. An additional 15 chlorpyrifos pesticide products, that allow for applications to apple tree trunks, remain registered for sale, offer for sale, use, and distribution in the state until July 31, 2021. DEC actions related to chlorpyrifos also include efforts to promote the removal of chlorpyrifos products from New York State.

DEC will accept written public comments on the proposed regulation through April 5, 2021.

In addition, DEC is holding a virtual public comment hearing for the proposed rule at 6 p.m. on March 30. The electronic webinar format is reasonably accessible to persons with impaired mobility. Instructions on how to join the hearing, how to provide an oral statement, and how to register are available at DEC's website. Contact DEC at (518) 402-9003 with any additional questions regarding the virtual hearing.