Federal Register #EPAHQOPP20260991

EPA Solicits Comment on Registration of NovoFly Genetically Engineered Pesticide for Emergency Use

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting public comment on a USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) application to register NovoFly, a genetically engineered biopesticide for controlling the New World screwworm. - Government Buyer: - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) - OEM/Vendor: - NovoFly (genetically engineered by USDA-ARS) - Products/Services Requested: - NovoFly genetically engineered male-only New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) - Part number: 91213L - Contains LshidAla2 and tTAo proteins (unregistered active ingredients) - Quantity: Not specified - Purpose: Wide-area release for sterile insect technique (SIT) programs to control and eradicate screwworm populations - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Section 18 quarantine emergency exemption request for urgent use to prevent pest spread from Mexico into the U.S. - Wide-area release via aerial and ground methods - Registration involves unregistered active ingredients and genetically engineered organisms - Ongoing, as-needed releases based on pest detections; no fixed end date - Place of Performance/Delivery: - USDA-ARS, George Washington Carver Center, Beltsville, MD (federal facility)

Description

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces receipt of an application from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to register a new pesticide product, NovoFly, containing an unregistered active ingredient. NovoFly is a genetically engineered male-only New World screwworm used in USDA's Sterile Insect Technique programs to control and eradicate this pest. Additionally, EPA received a Section 18 quarantine emergency exemption request to use NovoFly to suppress and prevent the pest's northward spread from Mexico into the United States. Due to the emergency nature, EPA is waiving the comment period for the exemption request but is soliciting public comments on the product registration application.

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