Archive for June, 2014

FWS and NMFS Extend Comment Period on their Draft ESA Section 4(b)(2) Policy and Regulations

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service have extended the public comment period on their May 12, 2014, draft policy regarding implementation of section 4(b)(2) of the Endangered Species Act. They will now accept comments from all interested parties until October 9, 2014. FWS and NMFS have also extended the comment period for two related proposed regulation amendments. The new comment period for these proposed regulations is also October 9, 2014.

EPA Seeks Comment on Salmon Buffer Zones for Five Pesticides

EPA is requesting comments on a proposed stipulated injunction that, among other things, would reinstitute streamside no-spray buffer zones to protect endangered or threatened Pacific salmon and steelhead in California, Oregon and Washington state. The stipulated injunction would settle litigation brought against EPA by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides and others in U.S. District Court in Washington state. Like the original buffer zones, the limitations in this proposed stipulated injunction would be part of a court order but would not be enforceable as labeling requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.