Cities Oppose House Scheme to Block Local Pesticide Controls

Overall, 155 local ordinances that regulate the use of pesticides could be preempted by a provision in the House farm bill.

AgMag
Warning2 Pesticides

Cities across the nation are fighting a provision in the House of Representatives’ version of the federal farm bill that would block cities, counties and school districts from restricting the use of toxic pesticides on playgrounds and parks.

A four-page provision tucked away in the 748-page farm bill passed by the House would preempt local governments’ adoption of their own pesticide regulations. That would include ordinances that prohibit the use of glyphosate—the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer—in parks and playgrounds.

The Senate farm bill does not include a similar provision. Congressional leaders are trying to finalize the farm bill for a vote this month.

In recent weeks, cities across the U.S. have raised their voices in opposition to Section 9101 of the House-passed bill.

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