Laird Reacts to LBAM Spraying Cancellation

SACRAMENTO –Following news that the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has cancelled its Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) aerial spraying program, Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today released the following statement:

“Following a briefing I received in the governor’s office, I’m pleased with the CDFA’s decision to discontinue aerial spraying over urban areas for LBAM.  Today’s news represents significant progress and evidence that the governor is responding to public concerns.     

I look forward to the opportunity to work with representatives of the CDFA to help them make sure the LBAM program is safe.  As the CDFA pursues ground-based strategies for its LBAM program, the cancellation of aerial spraying does not reduce the need for an open public process that is focused on sound science.  Whether it is twist-ties, stingerless wasps, sterile moths or any other strategy, what’s most important is that we protect our farms and nurseries while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.   

My hope is that through better planning, we can avoid the level of public fear and scientific disagreement that have marked the CDFA’s LBAM program to date.  Passage of a bill I’m carrying, the Invasive Pest Planning Act of 2008, is more relevant than ever and would be a very important step in the right direction.”

For more information about the Light Brown Apple Moth, including the Invasive Pest Planning Act of 2008 (AB 2763), please visit http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a27/moth.htm.