Laird Calls for Delay in LBAM Spray Plans

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today called for a delay in plans to spray in Monterey County September 5, 6 and 7, to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), and released the following statement:

“The LBAM situation is urgent and complicated and involves public health, the environment and the local economy. Before pursuing any plan to spray, we need to have a comprehensive public process that emphasizes sound science.

Residents and various experts have raised a variety of questions that should be adequately answered. The current spraying plan does not allow enough time for that to happen. Therefore, the Department of Food & Agriculture should delay its plan to allow more time to investigate the important questions that have been raised.

Secretary Kawamura and his staff should be commended for the time they spent in Monterey this week. My hope is that he will take additional time to give full consideration to the issues raised by the Monterey City Council and members of the community.”