San Rafael, CA - Today, Assemblymember Jared Huffman held an informational hearing of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee regarding the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s proposed strategy to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) is an invasive pest that feeds on more than 2,000 plant species, including ornamental plants, food crops and California native plants. The LBAM, which is originally from Australia and New Zealand, was detected in the Bay Area last year prompting the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to declare that emergency actions are needed to stop its spread. 

"When I received official notice two weeks ago from the CDFA that immediate eradication measures would be taken to eliminate this pest, I met with the CDFA to request a delay so as to ensure the public and appropriate agencies have a strong understanding of the problem and the proposed eradication program before the eradication program commences,” said Huffman.  "Towards this end, I also quickly called for this hearing to examine the proposed strategies for eradication of the LBAM in the San Francisco Bay Area to afford CDFA and other officials an opportunity to respond to concerns that have been raised about the potential health and environmental effects of the strategies, and to provide the public a forum to better engage on the LBAM issue.”

A.G. Kawamura, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture testified at the hearing, along with Stacy Carlsen, Agricultural Commissioner of the County of Marin, Paul Schramski, State Director of Pesticide Watch, and Dr. David Ting, Staff Toxicologist, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).

“While I understand the Department believes LBAM poses a serious threat to California's natural environment and economy, the public deserves more information on the details of the program and better opportunities to have their concerns and questions addressed.  The very short lead-time the Department had proposed for eradication work in Marin County was not adequate.  I’m pleased that the department delayed implementation for a few weeks so that we can better engage the public on this important issue,” said Huffman.  “The people of the Bay Area want and expect to be consulted in advance about treatments proposed in their neighborhoods.”