AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry unanimously approved LD 316, An Act To Prohibit the Use of Chlorpyrifos, on Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, bans the use of chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide proven to adversely affect the environment, human health and the food system.
Years of research have shown chlorpyrifos to be dangerous, and homeowner uses were limited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2000. In July 2015, the federal government proposed a complete ban on chlorpyrifos. Despite the overwhelming evidence that chlorpyrifos is harmful to humans and the environment, the federal government reversed the proposed ban in 2017.
"Chlorpyrifos has continued to be applied here in Maine, largely in the agriculture community," said Doudera. "It's used on produce that we eat, such as cranberries and broccoli, and on holiday items we buy, such as Christmas trees and wreaths. It's used on some of the golf courses where you might spend a summer afternoon, and on the ornamental plants you might purchase at a greenhouse."
Doudera said that Maine farmers, farm workers and their families are particularly vulnerable to this pesticides negative impacts, and she is thrilled with the committee's passage of the bill. "The vote on this legislation is the best Earth Day present our state could receive," said Doudera.
"Hawaii and California have already banned this dangerous organophosphate and New York is phasing it out," said Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, a lead cosponsor of the bill. "I'm glad that Maine will take the same step to protect our children who are bioaccumulating this toxin and having their future destroyed for corporate profits."
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association supported the legislation, and Heather Spalding, deputy director of the organization, submitted testimony in the committee.
"Not only will the legislation protect human and environmental health, but also, it will create market incentives for safe and effective alternatives that are readily available in the marketplace," said Spalding. "This policy initiative, coupled with market restrictions like Walmart's recently announced sunset of chlorpyrifos, will increase Maine's access to healthy, locally produced food, and an overall reduction of toxic chemicals in our food, air and water".
The bill will face further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks. If passed into law, the prohibition of the pesticide will begin in 2022, allowing limited exemptions for one year.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Doudera], c. 812-1111
Lisa Haberzettl [Miramant], c. 251-3548