Berg opposes bill to limit counties' say on GMOs
Article Launched: 8/26/2006 04:21 AM
The Times-Standard
Eureka Times Standard
SACRAMENTO -- Assemblywoman Patty Berg, D-Eureka, said she was disappointed that her colleagues approved Senate Bill 1056 by Central Valley lawmaker Dean Florez.
The measure has attracted strong opposition from people concerned about genetically modified organisms, and their effects on organic crops and the environment as a whole.
”When counties in my district voted to restrict the use of GMO crops, I supported those efforts,” said Berg on the Assembly floor. “I still support those efforts. I believe that people have a right to say what goes on in their counties, in their fields and near their homes. I oppose this bill, and I will oppose any bill that would strip from counties the right to restrict this technology. I urge a 'no' vote.”
The bill was approved on a 46-19 vote and sent back to the Senate, where it was approved previously, and now needs a simple concurrence vote.
If approved there and signed into law, it would prevent individual counties from banning the use of GMO crops. Counties that have already enacted such bans, however, would not be affected by the law.
Humboldt County in the past has had a measure on the ballot to ban genetically modified organisms, but the proposal lost most of its support due to technical errors in the language.
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