USDA Extends Paperwork for States Battling Plant Pests
Published Date: 4/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants to keep collecting info from states that ask for special rules to stop harmful plant pests. This helps protect our plants by letting states add extra restrictions beyond federal rules. If you’re involved in plant protection, you can share your thoughts by June 22, 2026—no extra costs or big changes, just keeping the system running smoothly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
State Reporting Burden: 160 Hours Each
APHIS estimates the information collection for a special-need request will average 160 hours per response, with an estimated annual number of respondents of 1 and 1 response per respondent (total annual responses: 1). The OMB control number is 0579-0291 and APHIS is asking OMB to approve use of the collection for an additional 3 years.
States May Seek Extra Plant Controls
Under 7 CFR part 301 Subpart A, States or political subdivisions can ask APHIS for approval to impose prohibitions or restrictions on interstate movement of specific articles in addition to APHIS rules. The request process requires a pest data detection survey and a pest risk analysis showing whether the pest is absent or, if present, its current distribution and that it would harm the State's environment or agricultural resources.
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