Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

EJ Tracker Update

EPA Finalized Rule to Reinstate Several Provisions of the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard

Last updated:

October 4, 2024

Authority

FIFRA

Agencies

EPA

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Final Rule

EPA finalized rule to reinstate several provisions of the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS), which was weakened by a 2020 rule. The final rule would reimposed stricter regulations related to Application Exclusion Zones (AEZs), which prevented farm workers from entering onto land during the application of pesticides. While the 2020 rule created several exceptions and reduced the area of the AEZ, the final rule more rigorously prevented agricultural employers from exposing farm workers and other individuals to pesticides, which has adverse health consequences. The final rule strengthened the health of rural communities and particularly of vulnerable farm workers and their families. Learn more about the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

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