New York Department Of Environmental Conservation Virtual Stakeholder Meeting On August 27, 2026

The New York State (NYS) Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be holding a virtual stakeholder meeting, titled “Bureau of Pesticides Management: 320 Series Rulemaking Stakeholder Meeting,” on August 27, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EDT) to obtain input on potential changes to current pesticides regulations. NYS DEC is considering changes to the entire series of pesticides regulations contained in Parts 320 through 329 of Chapter IV – Quality Services within Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR). 

Additionally, NYS DEC will be proposing new regulations for the Birds and Bees Protection Act (BBPA), ECL 33-1301(13), and reportedly intends to present information pertaining to the treated seed portion of the BBPA. The BBPA restricts certain uses of neonicotinoid pesticides in New York, including certain turf and ornamental uses and, beginning in 2029, the sale or use of certain neonicotinoid-treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds. The BBPA also directs NYS DEC to establish a waiver process allowing certain agricultural uses of otherwise prohibited treated seeds. Per the BBPA, as of December 31, 2026, it will be illegal to treat outdoor ornamental plants or turf with a pesticide containing the active ingredients imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, or acetamiprid within the state.

NYS DEC will also be providing information about potential changes to the regulations, including a brief summary of the revisions to the Federal Certification of Pesticide Applicators rule. Notably, there will not be an opportunity for questions and answers at the event, but the public may submit questions to NYS DEC directly. The schedule for the meeting is as follows:

• 9:30 a.m. — Welcome and Overview of Pesticide Regulations
• 10:00 a.m. — Certification & Training, Business Registration & Commercial Permits
• 10:30 a.m. — Pesticide Use
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. — BREAK
• 11:15 a.m. — Aquatics
• 11:45 a.m. — Birds and Bees Protection Act
• 12:15 p.m. — Stakeholder Input

The regulated community should take note of how many wide-ranging topics the meeting plans to cover. NYS DEC is considering changes across New York’s pesticide regulatory framework, potentially affecting pesticide registrants, commercial pesticide businesses, applicators, growers, and other regulated entities. The meeting is also an early opportunity for stakeholders to provide input on NYS DEC’s implementation of the BBPA, including the regulatory framework for treated seeds and the agricultural waiver process that will become increasingly important as the Act’s treated-seed restrictions approach their January 1, 2029, effective date. Stakeholders potentially affected by these requirements should consider participating in the meeting and providing input while NYS DEC is developing its proposed regulatory approach. Registration for the virtual meeting is now open via the registration link on the meeting announcement web page.