The US House has added a provision to “the federal farm bill that would block cities, counties and school districts from restricting the use of toxic pesticides on playgrounds and parks.” “That would include ordinances that prohibit the use of glyphosate — the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer — in parks and playgrounds.” (AgMag)
So far the US Senate does not contain a similar provision.
Needless to say, there are many cities, not-for-profit organizations and others raising their voices in opposition to Section 9101 of the House bill.
In all, passing of this section of the Farm Bill will eliminate 155 known municipal ordinances regulating the use of pesticides in public spaces. Some states already have laws restricting municipalities from enacting their own ordinances against the use of pesticides, but this federal law would override all such laws.
For more details on Section 9101 of the Farm Bill, go to Recognition and Role of State Lead Agencies.
If you wish to express your concerns one way or another, communicate with your representatives and senators. Go to House.gov and Senate.gov to find their contact information.
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