4 TAC §20.22
The Department of Agriculture (the department) adopts on
an emergency basis, an amendment to §20.22, concerning the authorized
cotton destruction dates for Pest Management Zone 9.
The department is acting on behalf of cotton farmers in Zone 9 which includes
the counties of: Ward, Reeves, and Pecos. The current cotton destruction deadline
for Zone 9 is March 15. The cotton destruction deadline will be extended through
April 1, 2001. The department believes that changing the cotton destruction
date is both necessary and appropriate. This extension is effective only for
the 2000 crop year.
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 March 15 deadline. 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 April 1 of 2001 in Zone 9.
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 March 9, 2001.
TRD-200101417
Dolores Alvarado Hibbs
Deputy General Counsel
Texas Department of Agriculture
Effective date: March 15, 2001
Expiration date: April 2, 2001
For further information, please call: (512) 463-4075