To: APS U.S. Members

From: APS Public Policy Board

Re: Regulatory Alert - EPA Bacillus subtilis Tolerance Comments Requested

The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comment on exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24 on all agricultural commodities when applied/used in accordance with good agricultural use practices for plant strengthening, growth enhancement, and plant disease suppression. Earth BioSciences submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24. Comments,identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0059, must be received on or before September 29, 2003 to Robyn Rose, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511C), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; phone: 703.308.9581; e-mail address: mailto:rose.robyn@epa.gov. Additional information can be found at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-19134.htm