Texas Register
(23 TexReg 12841) extended the current
cotton destruction deadline for Refugio and Calhoun counties in Zone 2,
Area 4, through December 14, 1998. That emergency extension deadline has
also passed. The cotton destruction deadline for Calhoun County only will
be extended through December 30, 1998 for the 1998 crop year only.
The department is acting on behalf of cotton farmers in Zone 6 and Calhoun
County in Zone 2, Area 4. The department believes that changing the cotton
destruction dates for Zones 6 and Calhoun County is both necessary and appropriate.
Adverse weather conditions have created a situation compelling an immediate
extension of the cotton destruction date for these counties. The unusually
wet weather prior to the cotton destruction period has prevented many cotton
producers from destroying cotton by the current deadlines and extensions.
A failure to act to further extend the cotton destruction deadline could
create a significant economic loss to Texas cotton producers and the state's
economy.
The emergency amendment to §20.22(a) will extend the date for cotton
stalk destruction through December 30 of 1998 for Zone 6 and Calhoun County
in Zone 2 Area 4.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under the Texas
Agriculture Code, §74.006, which provides the Texas Department of Agriculture
with the authority to adopt rules as necessary for the effective enforcement
and administration of Chapter 74, Subchapter A; §74.004, which provides
the department with the authority to establish regulated areas, dates and
appropriate methods of destruction of stalks, other parts, and products of
host plants for cotton pests and provides the department with the authority
to consider a request for a cotton destruction extension due to adverse weather
conditions; and the Government Code, §2001.34, which provides for the
adoption of administrative rules on an emergency basis, without notice and
comment.
§20.22.Stalk Destruction Requirements
(a)
Deadlines and methods. All cotton plants in a pest management
zone shall be destroyed, regardless of the method used, by the stalk destruction
dates indicated for the zone. Destruction shall be accomplished by the methods
described as follows:
Figure: 4 TAC §20.22(a)
(b)-(c)
(No change.)
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State,on
December 18, 1998.
TRD-9818471
Dolores Alvarado Hibbs
Deputy General Counsel
Texas Department of Agriculture
Effective date: December 18, 1998
Expiration date: December 31, 1998
For further information, please call: (512) 463-7541