Environmental/GeoSciences

The primary focus of the Microbiology Laboratory, under the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), is standardization of existing test methods and the development and validation of methods for new uses and emerging pathogens for antimicrobial products with public health claims – products used to kill or suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects and surfaces. A variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, Mycobacterium, Clostridium difficile, and biofilms are of interest. The laboratory is instrumental in advancing the science of antimicrobial product testing and provides technical expertise to standard-setting organizations and various agency stakeholder groups.

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) was signed on December 28, 1973, and provides for the conservation of species that are endangered or threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range, and the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend. The ESA replaced the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969. Congress has amended the ESA several times.