Two pesticide-related bills sailed through the House Agriculture Committee on Feb. 16 as farm-state lawmakers hailed the legislation for easing burdens on growers.

 

The committee passed both bills by voice vote in the first 10 minutes of the meeting, which preceded a hearing on the federal nutrition assistance program.

 

H.R. 1029 would reauthorize the 2003 Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, which authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to collect fees from industry to license pesticides and review the safety of the chemicals.

 

“PRIA’s goal has been to create a more predictable and effective evaluation process, promote shorter review periods for reduced-risk pesticides, and enhance scientific and regulatory activities related to farm worker protection,” the committee’s ranking member, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), said in his opening statement.

 

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