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Update of Noxious Weed Regulations

June 9, 2009

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to make several changes to the regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of noxious weeds.  We would add definitions of terms used in the regulations, add details regarding the process of applying for the permits used to import or move noxious weeds, add a requirement for the treatment of niger seed and add provisions for petitioning to add a taxon to or remove a taxon from the noxious weed lists.  These changes would update the regulations to reflect current statutory authority and program operations and improve the effectiveness of the regulations.

We are also proposing to add seven taxa to the list of terrestrial noxious weeds and to the list of seeds with no tolerances applicable to their introduction.  This action would prevent the introduction or dissemination of these noxious weeds into or within the United States.

Notice of this proposed rule is scheduled for publication in the June 10 Federal Register.

Consideration will be given to comments received on or before Aug. 10.  You may submit comments by either of the following methods:

  • Federal eRulemaking Portal:  Go to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0146 to submit or view comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
  • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery:  Please send two copies of your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2007-0146, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8,   4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.  Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2007-0146.

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Note to Reporters:  Public notices and other APHIS information are available on the Internet.  Go to the APHIS news release page at http://www.aphis.usda.gov and click on the “Newsroom” button.  For additional information about this topic contact David Sacks at (301) 734-5271 or by e-mail at david.sacks@aphis.usda,gov.

 

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