Mason Bee
Commentary needed on Senate Bill 23-192 – the Sunset Pesticide Applicators Act
Sometimes you can make a difference. Colorado’s People and Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) is organizing a letter campaign to legislators advocating for greater local control of pesticides.
The backstory is that the Pesticide Applicators’ Act (PAA) is sunsetting (expiring), and Colorado’s SB 23-192 calls for reauthorizing the PAA and makes some changes to the original act. It’s been introduced and is now under consideration. It’s the perfect time to let your voice be heard.
People and Pollinators Action Network
At issue for us is whether local municipalities and states have the right to control pesticide use. Currently, local control is limited. According to PPAN, “The PAA regulates pesticide applicators under the authority of the Department of Agriculture, and its sunset review provides an opportunity to improve how the state manages pesticides. Currently, the PAA does not allow for local innovation that could help protect unique natural resources and public health.”
People and Pollinators is advocating for revisions that would reintroduce a level of local control over pesticide application. They are working with local and state leaders, educators, community members, and other conservation and health-oriented organizations to make these crucial changes happen. Communities should have the right to restrict the use of harmful pesticides. This right is not allowed in the current Pesticide Applicators Act.
To emphasize why revisions to the current PAA are badly needed, it is critical that legislators hear testimony, from community members and leaders, on topics such as children’s and farmworkers’ health, biological approaches to pest management, and about the importance of a pesticide preemption repeal.
People and Pollinators is hoping you’ll sign on to their letter. Here’s the full letter. And here’s where you can sign on.
For more information, reach out to People and Pollinators.