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Blocking pesticide industry’s power grab: A majority of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee members voted to strengthen LD 1890 so that pesticide regulations will not require legislative approval and all members voted against LD 1791, which would have added two more industry reps on the Board of Pesticide Control (BPC).

 

How you can help

Please e-mail your Congressman to protect our waterways and oppose this weakening of the Clean Water Act.

Brief summary

The prime directive of the BPC is to minimize Maine's reliance on pesticides and protect the public and the environment from pesticide use. The BPC is governed by a board of seven members: three members of the pesticide industry, a professor of agriculture, a health professional and two members of the public.

Countless times the pesticide industry has done everything in its power to stop the BPC from adopting rules to protect public health. The industry has opposed reducing pesticide applications at schools and daycares and is currently fighting to stop a rule that would require that tenants, employees and customers be notified prior to pesticide application inside.

As a result, the pesticide industry, restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores have sought to further stack the BPC governing board. LD 1791 would have added two additional industry members to the board. Adding such members to the board is unnecessary and would weight the BPC against the interests of public health and Maine's environment.

In addition, even though they have industry reps governing the rules, these industries want to require that all rules be approved by the Legislature so they can get a second try to influence the rules. These industries are hoping to stop the indoor notification rules and Environment Maine’s rule change petitions with their hired lobbyists in the Statehouse. Fortunately, at least six of the members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee disagree with industry, and have decided not to support that part of LD 1890.

 

Additional Links

Maine Board of Pesticides Control
(www.maine.gov)

Pesticide Action Netwok North America
(www.panna.org)