I am a concerned constituent and I urge you to strongly oppose any pesticide preemption language in the upcoming Farm Bill. This language is a direct attack on the ability of local governments to act and protect their communities and the people who live there.
Pesticide preemption in the Farm Bill would prohibit local governments from adopting pesticide laws that are more protective than federal rules. Passing a bill with this language would overturn legal precedent and is in opposition to rulings of the Supreme Court (Wisconsin Public Intervenor vs Mortier) that support the right of communities to adopt pesticide regulations tailored to their needs.
There are almost 200 different communities across the country that have passed policies to restrict the use of a wide range of pesticides. These laws reflect the specific needs, circumstances and conditions of each location and reflect the concerns of the constituents who live there. Some areas have unique ecological conditions that require prudent measures beyond the minimums set by FIFRA and enforced by the states. Others responsibly place restrictions on the use of hazardous pesticides near playgrounds and public spaces where the most vulnerable of our population might be exposed and harmed.
Federal pesticide preemption language in the Farm Bill would undermine the important role of local government in our country. Their connection to the needs of the people and their relatively small size provides a mechanism for government to quickly respond to emerging health hazards or damage to the local environment and resources. In contrast, federal protections in response to these threats can take years, or decades, to realize.
Thank you for standing up and protecting our right to see to the safety of our local communities by strongly opposing any pesticide preemption language in the upcoming Farm Bill.
First sent on October 3, 2023 by Jess Craven
