Overview of ecological risk assessments for pesticides and EPA’s Endangered Species Act workplan

Staff from the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Environmental Fate and Effects Division (EFED) will provide an overview of how ecological risk assessments (ERAs) of pesticide active ingredients are completed. This presentation includes brief summary of the ERA process including problem formulation, exposure and effects assessment and risk characterization. ERA for aquatic and terrestrial insects is emphasized using several case studies. The role of the scientific literature in supporting insect ERA is discussed, including challenges and lessons learned. The second portion of this presentation includes an overview of OPP’s efforts to better protect listed species under the Endangered Species Act, including initiatives and strategies outlined in OPPs ESA workplan, originally published in April 2022.