EPA Approves Virus Spray to Save Tomatoes and Peppers
Published Date: 7/14/2026
Rule
Summary
Farmers and food makers can now use two special EcoPhage bacteriophages to fight plant diseases without worrying about pesticide residue limits. Starting July 14, 2026, these natural virus-based treatments don’t need a tolerance level set by the EPA, making it easier and cheaper to protect crops. If anyone has concerns, they have until September 14, 2026, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No Tolerance Required for Two EcoPhage Products
As of July 14, 2026, the EPA established exemptions from the requirement of a pesticide tolerance for residues of Bacteriophage active against Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria_EcoPhage and Bacteriophage active against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato_EcoPhage on all food and feed commodities. This means EPA will not set a numerical maximum permissible level for residues of these two EcoPhage products.
EPA Finds EcoPhage Residues Safe for People
EPA evaluated the data and determined that these two EcoPhage bacteriophages are not expected to be toxic, pathogenic, or infective to humans, including infants and children. EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from aggregate exposure and therefore did not apply an additional Food Quality Protection Act safety factor.
Exemptions Limited to Labeled, Good Practices
The exemptions from tolerance apply only when these EcoPhage products are used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Users such as farmers and applicators must follow label instructions to rely on the tolerance exemptions.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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: 2026-14113 — Safety Zone; Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, WA
On July 24, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone in Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, WA, from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This zone keeps boats and people safe during a fireworks show by keeping them out unless they get special permission. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid the area during those hours—no fees or long-term changes, just a quick safety move!
Next: 2026-14127 — Safety Zone; Charleston Harbor, Charleston, SC
On July 15, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the SS WRIGHT as it’s towed through Charleston Harbor. This means boats and people can’t enter the area unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe during the move. The rule only lasts from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and won’t cost anyone extra money.