EPA to Consider Reducing Farmworker Pesticide Protections

The EPA is considering changes to an Obama-era rule that was meant to minimize pesticide exposure for farmworkers, sources familiar with agency deliberations told Bloomberg Environment.

At issue is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Worker Protection Standard for pesticides, a rule issued in 2015 that has engendered opposition from the agricultural community, which says elements of the rule are too expensive.

The EPA is weighing whether to review the current provisions that require pesticide handlers be at least 18 years old, establish application exclusion zones intended to keep people away from pesticide spraying equipment for periods of time, and allow farmworkers ...