[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 75 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE PESTICIDE REGISTRATION HARMONIZATION ACT OF 1999

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                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 1999

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduced the Pesticide 
Registration Harmonization Act of 1999. I am pleased to have 
Representative Rick Hill of Montana and Representative John Baldacci of 
Maine as original cosponsors on this very important legislation for 
American farmers and ranchers.
  The premise of this legislation is quite simple. As a Member of 
Congress representing a border-state with Canada, I believe that it is 
essential for American farmers to be on the same level ``playing 
field'' as their international counterparts. I am hopeful that the 
Pesticide Harmonization Act of 1999 will begin a much needed dialogue 
between the United States and Canada on chemical harmonization as we 
head into the 21st Century.
  The Pesticide Harmonization Act of 1999 is designed to establish a 
process under which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could be 
requested to review registration requests for certain pesticide 
products. The types of pesticides that would be reviewed are registered 
for use on a specific crop in Canada and are also registered in the 
United States but not for use on that specific crop. In addition, the 
chemical must be needed to respond to critical pest control needs of 
United States growers which are not otherwise being met, and supported 
for registration by their manufacturers. If the chemical meets these 
criteria then the EPA review process would be expedited. The EPA would 
have 180 days after receiving a request from the registrant for a 
specific product to either agree to accept the registration package 
approved by the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) or to 
explain their reasons for not approving the request.
  Clearly, there is an inequity in pesticide registrations, 
particularly for canola, wheat, and barley, between the United States 
and Canada. In the case of canola, Canada has about 40 pesticides 
registered while the United States has only seven. American farmers 
ought to have access to the same, environmentally safe pest control 
tools that are available to their Canadian counterparts.
  Mr. Speaker, American farmers are facing 50 year low commodity 
prices, at the same time costs of production are continuing to rise. 
The Pesticide Registration Harmonization Act of 1999 is a step in the 
right direction of leveling the playing field for American producers.

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