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Committee votes to update pesticide applicator certification to match EPA requirements
Summary
Senators recommended a do-pass on Senate Bill 2086, which updates state pesticide certification standards to comply with EPA revisions to 40 CFR part 171, allowing North Dakota to continue operating its applicator certification program under cooperative agreement with EPA.
The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee voted to recommend Senate Bill 2086, which updates North Dakota’s pesticide applicator certification standards to align with federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Lucas Wagner, Pesticide and Fertilizer Division Director for the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, told the committee that the changes "will bring North Dakota certification standards up to date according to the EPA directive contained in the 2017 revisions to 40 CFR part 171" and that "these proposed changes have already been reviewed and approved by the EPA." He said the updates are necessary to maintain the state's cooperative agreement with the EPA and to continue implementing the state's certification program for pesticide applicators.
Senator Mark Weber asked whether the state routinely updates its standards to remain in compliance; Wagner replied that periodic updates are normal to maintain the cooperative agreement. No opposition testimony was offered.
A committee member moved a do-pass recommendation; the clerk conducted a roll call and the motion passed.
The bill as drafted amends state law to adopt federal certification standards; committee testimony did not identify any new funding requirements or operational changes beyond those needed for compliance with federal rules.
