APHIS Changes Approach to Fight Emerald Ash Borer

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is changing its approach to fight the emerald ash borer beetle. Infestation of the borer beetle has spread through much of the United States and is highly destructive to ash trees. This week, APHIS announced a final rule that removes the federal domestic emerald ash borer quarantine regulations that the agency says have proved ineffective and will redirect resources to more promising methods. Removing the quarantine regulations ends APHIS’ domestic regulatory activities, including issuing permits, certificates and compliance agreements, making site visits, and conducting investigations of suspected violations. The agency has worked to identify more effective and less intrusive methods, such as rearing and releasing biological control agents. The results have already proved effective, according to USDA. The final rule and the response to comments was published Tuesday in the Federal Register and will be effective on January 14, 2021.