S. 1999: USDA Communication Regarding Oversight of Pesticides Act of 2025

This bill, known as the USDA Communication Regarding Oversight of Pesticides Act of 2025, aims to enhance the collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the regulation of pesticides. The bill proposes to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) by introducing specific protocols for coordination and communication. Below are the key provisions of the bill:

Coordination of Risk Mitigation Measures

When the EPA determines that risk mitigation measures are necessary for a pesticide, it must:

• Develop these measures in collaboration with the USDA.
• Conduct and publish an economic analysis that assesses the costs associated with these measures on growers, state agencies, and other stakeholders.

Data and Information Coordination

For the registration and review of pesticides, the EPA will coordinate with the USDA to gather:

• Agronomic use data from both the USDA and industry sources.
• Information related to alternatives to pesticides.

When the EPA makes decisions based on this data, it must:

• Publish a description of how it used the data provided by the USDA.
• Explain the reasons for decisions regarding whether or not to use this data.

Implementation of Reasonable Actions

The bill requires that for actions taken to protect endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, the EPA must coordinate with the USDA, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Commerce. This includes:

• Reviewing the development of any actions related to pesticide use.
• Considering the options for these actions in a way that evaluates the risks and benefits of the pesticides.
• Providing feedback on how the actions may affect pesticide end users.

Waiver of Coordination Requirements

The bill allows for the possibility to waive or modify coordination requirements for specific actions, as long as there is agreement between the EPA, USDA, and the registrant, and this agreement is published by the EPA.

Conclusion of Summary

The proposed legislation aims to streamline the interaction between two major federal agencies involved in pesticide oversight to improve regulatory efficiency, ensure comprehensive decision-making, and potentially reduce the burdens on stakeholders involved in pesticide use.

Relevant Companies

• Bayer AG (BAYRY) - As a major producer of pesticides, Bayer could be affected by changes in regulatory requirements and coordination between the EPA and USDA, potentially impacting their operations and costs.
• Dow Inc. (DOW) - Dow produces agricultural products, including pesticides that may be subject to new regulations, influencing their compliance costs and market strategy.
• ChemChina (SYT) - As a significant player in the pesticide market, ChemChina could see impacts on their product registration and market dynamics due to greater oversight and coordination efforts outlined in the bill.