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The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule
to amend existing regulations that call for the phaseout
of methyl bromide by this coming January 1. The action
by the Agency seeks to create another "critical use
exemption" for the fumigant, used in such things as
the production of country ham and pork.
Methyl
bromide is being phased out under the "Montreal Protocol"
that was developed to protect the ozone layer in the atmosphere,
but the treaty allows "critical use" exemptions
for circumstances where there are no technically and economically
feasible alternatives to the fumigant.
EPA
said the exemptions for continued production and import
of methyl bromide would continue to honor the U.S. commitment
to obtain for American food processors and farmers the methyl
bromide they need. More information about the proposed
rule is available on AAMP's website at www.aamp.com.
AAMP had applied for a "critical use exemption"
last year that would run through 2005.
The
Association has just applied for anther exemption that will
allow meat processors to use the fumigant through 2007.
Unfortunately, no permanent "critical use exemptions"
are allowed, applications for them will probably have to
be made each year.
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