The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its FY 2023 Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) Annual Report, showcasing notable advancements in pesticide regulation despite significant budgetary constraints. This comprehensive report highlights the EPA’s achievements, challenges, and ongoing efforts to streamline pesticide registration processes under PRIA, a fee-based system designed to expedite and enhance pesticide regulation.
Budget Shortfalls Impact EPA's Pesticide Program
A critical issue highlighted in the report is the substantial budget shortfall faced by the EPA’s pesticide program. Despite the reauthorization of PRIA 5 in December 2022, which extended the authority to collect fees through fiscal year 2027 and introduced new responsibilities, the EPA contended with a $27.4 million deficit below the minimum appropriations trigger level in FY 2023. This financial shortfall significantly impacted the agency's ability to meet statutory deadlines for registration applications and review processes.
In FY 2023, Congress appropriated $138.6 million for pesticide program activities, falling $27.4 million short of the required level to fully utilize PRIA fees. Although Congress included provisions to preserve the EPA’s ability to collect PRIA fees, the reduced funding level led to delays in regulatory determinations and increased the backlog of pending actions.
PRIA Actions and Completions in FY 2023
The report details the EPA’s processing of pesticide registration applications. In FY 2023, the agency completed 1,787 PRIA actions. However, 67% of these actions were completed past their statutory decision deadlines, a significant increase compared to previous years. This delay is attributed to the diversion of resources towards implementing PRIA 5 and preparing for IT system upgrades.
The EPA introduced a new renegotiation process for PRIA due dates, consistent with PRIA 5 requirements. As a result, only 879 out of 1,787 completions were renegotiated.
Pending Applications and Denials
As of September 30, 2023, there were 1,755 PRIA applications pending, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing the workload with limited resources. Additionally, the EPA denied three PRIA applications and issued 31 "Do Not Grant" determinations due to various deficiencies.
Efficiency Improvements and IT Upgrades
Despite budget constraints, the EPA has implemented several process improvements. The agency introduced strategies to address non-PRIA backlogs and improve submission quality through outreach and training. An efficiency project was also launched to ensure timely submission of required registration review labels.
Significant progress has been made in IT modernization, with all divisions within the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) migrating to a new workflow platform on Salesforce. This upgrade aims to enhance tracking and review processes, although full functionality is expected to be delayed into FY 2024 due to budget cuts.
Farmworker and Health Care Provider Training
PRIA 5 mandates increased funding for farmworker protection and health clinician training programs. In FY 2023, $1.1 million was allocated for farmworker training, and $500,000 each for health care provider training, pesticide safety education programs, and partnership grants. These funds support initiatives such as the National Farmworker Training Program and the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC).
Advancements in Pesticide Incident Data Systems
The report highlights advancements in the Pesticide Incident Data System (IDS) and the ongoing development of a comprehensive endangered species database. The EPA has improved the collection and public availability of incident data, responding to recommendations from various stakeholder groups.
Looking Ahead
For FY 2024, the EPA anticipates further budget reductions, with appropriations set at $132.5 million, $38 million below the President’s budget request. This continued financial strain is expected to exacerbate delays in processing pesticide registration applications and completing registration reviews.
The FY 2023 PRIA Annual Report underscores the EPA’s commitment to improving pesticide regulation despite significant financial challenges. Continued support and adequate funding are essential for the agency to meet its statutory obligations and effectively protect public health and the environment.
