12/09/2021
Please help build support for state-level pesticide reform legislation being considered by the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture.
A PUBLIC HEARING has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 14th at 1PM at the Massachusetts State House.
Would you be willing to submit testimony in support of pesticide reform legislation for an upcoming public hearing (held remotely, online) on December 14th starting at 1 PM?
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/4126?fbclid=IwAR13iKKzUIFMDxV3KekRlYYQBZi2SCoiLeKbfLhz-sEeHDUEsxk1GefL8pA
H.926, An Act relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren. This bill would limit the use of pesticides on school property to those deemed to have "minimal risk" by the EPA and those used in organic landcare, unless granted a waiver for a public health emergency.
H.3991, An Act Relative to Pesticides. Also known as the "Raptor Bill," this bill would codify the use of IPM and would create a statewide online reporting system for pesticide use.
S.556/H.937, An Act Providing for the Public Health by Establishing an Ecologically Based Mosquito Management Program. This would require the state to implement a science-driven mosquito control program with a strong focus on prevention and public education.
H.4143, An Act relative to the pesticide board. This bill would result in a systemic improvement in the state’s pesticide regulatory framework by moving the Pesticide Board from the Dept. of Agriculture to the Dept. of Environmental Protection.
You can find full details of the hearing on NOFA website, including how to pre-register to speak. Please NOTE: Speakers must pre-register with the committee by Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 5PM.
Are you able to submit either written or oral testimony in support of one or more pesticide reform bills? We greatly appreciate any support you can offer!
If you need any additional information, please let Marty know. If you choose to testify, we will send along resources to help you prepare. You can also read more background about the hearing on the NOFA/Mass blog and see a summary of bills being considered here.
Thank you very much for expressing your voice at this critical time. Laura Kelley of POCCA Cape Cod. Marty, policy director of NOFA Mass wrote this message.
