EPA Opens Applications for Pesticide Conservation Programs
Published Date: 1/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA is rolling out a new way for groups to become official Qualified Conservation Programs (QCP) or Qualified External Parties (QEP). This means if you work with pesticides or conservation, you can apply to get recognized by the EPA, but you’ll need to share some info first. Comments on this plan are open until March 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up before any paperwork or fees kick in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
56-Hour Estimated Application Burden
EPA estimates that completing the QCP/QEP applications will take 56 hours total time per application and is asking stakeholders to comment on that estimate. EPA specifically requests hour estimates by staff type (manager, technical, clerical) and asks commenters to explain differences if their estimates differ from 56 hours.
New EPA QCP / QEP Application Process
The EPA published a draft Pesticide Registration Notice describing a new process to become an EPA Qualified Conservation Program (QCP) or Qualified External Party (QEP). The draft and its two applications are open for review and EPA will later submit related materials (EPA ICR No. 7807.01; OMB Control No. 2070-NEW) for Office of Management and Budget approval before a final notice is issued.
Public Comment Deadline: March 2, 2026
You can submit public comments on the draft PR Notice and the Information Collection Request through regulations.gov using docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-1906. Comments must be received on or before March 2, 2026.
Possible Expansion to Non‑Agricultural Uses
EPA is considering expanding the QCP/QEP process to qualify conservation programs and external parties that support non-agricultural sites such as turf, nursery/ornamentals, forestry, and rights-of-way, and intends to develop a mitigation menu for those uses (menu not yet developed).
Proposed 5‑Year Re‑review Requirement
EPA proposes that approved QCPs and QEPs be subject to a re-review process on a 5-year cycle and would require programs to notify EPA if any program elements change at any point. EPA is requesting comments on whether 5 years is appropriate and on the clarity of the re-review proposal.
Proposed Revocation Process for Non‑Compliance
EPA is proposing a process to revoke QCP or QEP status if a program or party is found to be operating in a way that does not align with Agency expectations or with information previously submitted in its application, and is requesting comment on that revocation process.
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