Laird LBAM Legislation Calls on State to Answer Unresolved Health, Science and Efficacy Questions

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Budget Committee Chair John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today introduced ACR 117, an Assembly Concurrent Resolution that calls on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), 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.

“As stated in the resolution, it is the responsibility of our government to demonstrate its LBAM actions are necessary and do not compromise human or environmental health,” said Assemblymember Laird.  “It isn’t the responsibility of the people to demonstrate the reverse.”

To view ACR 117, click here:

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a27/pdf/LightBrownAppleMothARCNo.pdf

Mr. Laird is also the author the Invasive Pest Planning Act of 2008 (AB 2763).  The bill would require the CDFA to create a list of invasive animals, plants, and insects that have a reasonable likelihood of entering California for which an eradication program might be appropriate.  For each invasive on the list, the department would prepare a written assessment on the most appropriate method of eradication.  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.  If a pest was found, the department would have 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