News Releases from Region 07

EPA Awards an Additional $768,614 to Iowa to Combat Adverse Pesticide Exposure

08/11/2017

Contact Information:

913-551-7940

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Aug. 11, 2017) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has awarded an additional $768,614 to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to administer and enforce the Pesticide Act of Iowa and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act to protect the citizens of Iowa and their environment from the adverse effects of pesticide exposure. The two-year grant is worth a total of $1,597,228.

“EPA is committed to working with our states to best protect human health and the environment." said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "These grants bring funding to the states for these important programs. I am very pleased the president’s budget recognizes the importance of these grants by providing continued funding.”

IDALS' efforts are geared toward ensuring pesticides are applied properly, according to EPA standards that appear on all pesticide labels. The state will also provide certification and training for professional applicators, reach out to agricultural workers to increase awareness about the requirements, and implement other activities to protect water resources from pesticides.

In addition, IDALS is incorporating multipurpose funding for state-identified priorities. This award provides incremental funding. Additional funding may be provided at a later date.