ST. PAUL, Minn. — On September 18, 2018, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) formally announced that they were considering a rule change to deregulate emerald ash borer (EAB) at the federal level. A comment period regarding the proposal was opened through November 19, 2018. At the time this newsletter was published, no final decision or timeline has been announced.
Since 2009, EAB has been regulated in Minnesota cooperatively by the MDA and USDA, with the USDA regulating interstate (across state boundaries) movement and the MDA regulating intrastate (within Minnesota) movement.
Based on our experience with EAB and discussions with partners, the MDA is proposing changes to the EAB regulatory program if the USDA proceeds with federal deregulation.
The MDA is currently accepting comments on the proposal through March 22, 2019. Send comments to: Mark.Abrahamson@state.mn.us or
Mark Abrahamson
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St Paul, MN 55155
However, keep in mind that changes to the EAB regulatory program will only be made if federal deregulation goes forward.
— Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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