FIFRA Section 18 Specific Emergency Exemption: Use of Clethodim in Rice to Control Weedy Red Rice
Summary
SCH Number
2026100144
Public Agency
California Department of Pesticide Regulation
(DPR)
Document Title
FIFRA Section 18 Specific Emergency Exemption: Use of Clethodim in Rice to Control Weedy Red Rice
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/6/2026
Document Description
This specific exemption request is necessary to reduce losses by the California rice industry due to a continued infestation of weedy red rice in cultivated rice fields. Multiple factors are contributing to the emergency situation, including the absence of commercially viable control methods and the pest’s taxonomic similarity to the main crop, which hinders effective segregation and eradication of weedy red rice. Currently, there are no effective herbicides available that allow spot treatments to safely kill weedy rice. The accepted cultural practices available to growers such as fallowing and roguing are also cost prohibitive, making them unsuitable for growers to rely upon long term without incurring further economic hardship.
Contact Information
Name
Tulio Macedo
Agency Name
Department of Pesticide Regulation
Job Title
Branch Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Roberta Firoved
Agency Name
CA Rice Commission
Job Title
Pesticide Regulatory Consultant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, San Joaquin, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba
Regions
Northern California
Other Information
Rice fields
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(16)
Reasons for Exemption
Public Resources Code 21080(b)(16) designates U.S. EPA authorized Section 18 decisions as exempt from CEQA. On September 18, 2026, U.S. EPA authorized the specific exemption for Select Max Herbicide with Inside Technology on rice to control weedy red rice under the authority of FIFRA Section 18. On September 23, 2026 DPR issued this specific exemption.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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