The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) requested an extension of the June 17 comment deadline for a proposed rule to revise the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) worker protection standards set under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

In a letter to EPA, AFBF noted the agency released the proposed rule during the busiest time of year for farmers—those most affected by this proposed regulation. In addition, the agency released for a comment a proposed rule to expand its jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. Therefore, AFBF requested a 90-day extension of the comment period to allow farmers and ranchers the opportunity to express their concerns.

The proposed rule would make extensive changes in worker protection standards, according to AFBF.