Senators Call on Congress to Oppose Federal Pesticide Preemption

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senator Cory Booker and 20 of his colleagues led a letter to Senate leadership, warning against any efforts to limit existing state and local authority to regulate pesticides in the upcoming Farm Bill or other legislation. The group highlighted the importance of state and local governments in protecting citizens from the serious health problems caused by unsafe exposure to pesticides, including neurological and behavioral issues, cancer, and Parkinson's Disease. States and localities have implemented protective measures such as posting warnings, protecting drinking water supplies, and restricting the use of certain pesticides on playgrounds. The lawmakers expressed strong opposition to proposed legislation that would prohibit states from requiring manufacturers to disclose known risks about their pesticide products.

Key Takeaways:

  • 20 U.S. senators led by Cory Booker signed a letter opposing federal pesticide preemption in the Farm Bill or other legislation.
  • The letter highlighted the importance of state and local governments in protecting citizens from the health problems caused by pesticides.
  • Over 30 states and hundreds of cities and counties have adopted pesticide laws and ordinances to protect workers, children, rural communities, and wildlife.
  • States and localities have implemented protective measures such as posting warnings, protecting drinking water supplies, and restricting the use of certain pesticides.
  • Preempting state and local laws would eliminate the ability of local governments to address local needs and implement protective measures tailored to their citizens.
  • The letter expressed opposition to proposed legislation that would prohibit states from requiring manufacturers to disclose known risks about their pesticide products.
  • 133 state and local leaders and 187 organizations joined the senators in calling on Congress to oppose federal pesticide preemption.

Statistics:

  • 20 U.S. senators signed the letter opposing federal pesticide preemption.
  • 30 states and hundreds of cities and counties have adopted pesticide laws and ordinances.
  • 133 state and local leaders joined the senators in calling on Congress to oppose federal pesticide preemption.
  • 187 organizations joined the letter calling on Congress to oppose federal pesticide preemption.
  • Over 30% of the United States has implemented protective measures to regulate pesticides.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senator Cory Booker's letter to Senate leadership, dated no later than today.
  • MIL OSI USA News, MIL-OSI Publisher US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker.
  • MIL OSI USA News, MIL OSI USA News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/).
  • Contify.com, distributed by MIL OSI USA News.