Laird LBAM Legislation Approved by Assembly

SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today announced the State Assembly passed AB 2763, the Invasive Pest Planning Act of 2008, and ACR 117, a resolution that calls on the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and other relevant state departments to address unresolved health, scientific and efficacy issues surrounding the CDFA’s Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) eradication plans.

AB 2763 passed by a vote of 78-0.  ACR 117 passed by a vote of 48-30.  Both bills now move on to the Senate for consideration.

“The state was not adequately prepared for LBAM and still has not demonstrated its program is safe for people and our environment,” said Assemblymember Laird.  “These two bills address these concerns by putting in place a pest planning process for the future, and by calling on the state to answer ongoing health, scientific and efficacy issue surrounding the CDFA’s LBAM eradication program.”

About the Invasive Pest Planning Act of 2008
AB 2763, authored by Assemblymember Laird, would require the Department of Food and Agriculture to create a list of invasive animals, plants, and insects that have a reasonable likelihood of entering California for which an eradication or control program might be appropriate.  For each invasive on the list, the department would prepare a written assessment on the most appropriate method of eradication or control.  If pesticides were to be used, the assessment would have to discuss application methods, the chemistry of the pesticide and its inert ingredients, impacts on public health and the environment.  The department would be required to coordinate with the State Department of Public Health, the Department of Fish and Game, and other state health agencies.  The department would be required to hold public hearings. If a pest was found, the department would be required to notify various local agencies, hold public hearings, and comply with other requirements.

For more information on the Light Brown Apple Moth issue—including key documents, correspondence, news and other information, visit Assemblymember Laird’s LBAM resource page: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a27/moth.htm