EPA's Ethics Board to Scrutinize Human Pesticide Testing in 2026
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA’s Human Studies Review Board (HSRB) will hold three virtual meetings in 2026 to review and advise on the safety and ethics of human research related to pesticides. These meetings affect scientists, regulators, and the public by ensuring research meets high standards before influencing EPA decisions. Mark your calendar for April, July, and October sessions, with follow-ups to finalize reports—no costs for attending, just your attention!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
HSRB Reviews Human-Subject Pesticide Research
The HSRB provides advice and recommendations on scientific and ethical aspects of proposed or completed human research submitted to EPA, including intentional exposure studies considered under FIFRA (7 U.S.C. 136-136y) and section 408 of FFDCA (21 U.S.C. 346a). These reviews inform EPA regulatory decisions about pesticide-related human studies.
Free Virtual Public Meetings
The EPA will hold three virtual, public Human Studies Review Board meetings on April 14-16, 2026; July 7-9, 2026; and October 28-30, 2026, each day from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. All meetings are conducted entirely virtually and by telephone and there is no cost to attend.
How to Give Oral and Written Comments
To give oral comments you must pre-register with the Designated Federal Official by noon Eastern Time seven calendar days before each meeting; oral comments are generally limited to five minutes. Written comments should be submitted by noon Eastern Time seven calendar days before each meeting to give the Board time to review them; late written comments will still be provided to members but may not be considered before discussion.
Accessibility and Disability Accommodations
If you need disability accommodations to participate, you must contact the Designated Federal Official at least 10 days before a meeting so EPA has time to process your request. Contact information is provided (Mike Schmitt, phone 984-209-0643 or email listed in the notice).
Meeting Records Released Within 90 Days
The HSRB will release minutes summarizing topics and recommendations within 90 calendar days after each meeting; final reports will also be available on the HSRB website or on request. Meeting materials and the full agenda will be available at least seven calendar days before each meeting on the Board's website.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04840, Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Underground Storage Tank Finder Application (Renewal)
The EPA wants to keep collecting info through the Underground Storage Tank Finder app and is asking for your thoughts before renewing this effort. This affects tank owners and operators who use the app to track underground tanks, with no new fees but a chance to improve how info is gathered. You’ve got until May 11, 2026, to share your comments and help shape the future of this important tool.
Next: 2026-04842, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Department of Health and Human Services is updating its records system that tracks who gets paid or owes money to the agency. These changes clarify legal rules, add new ways to use the info, and fix old details. The updates start March 12, 2026, with some new uses kicking in April 13, 2026, and the public can comment until then.