Montgomery County Pesticide Legislation: UPDATE

The Montgomery County Council has set a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 15 and Feb. 12 to discuss Bill 52-14. The proposed bill, introduced by Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal in October 2014, will ban the use of select EPA-approved pesticides on public and private property in the county.

The legislation would affect personal property rights by taking away EPA- approved products from professionals and homeowners, limiting their ability to maintain safe and healthy outdoor spaces. These products help control pests such as mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, poison ivy and poison oak, ragweed, and weeds that reduce the health of lawns, parks and playing fields.

Montgomery County  industry stakeholders and RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® support an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to the use of pesticides to control weeds, pests, and disease and recognize the importance of maintaining access to all the tools in the pest control toolbox for lawn care operators and homeowners.

We need your help! Please attend the bill hearing at 100 Maryland Ave. Rockville, MD. 20850, or email your councilmembers today to have your voice heard.

For more information, contact us at info@safelawns.org. The complete bill language can be reviewed here.

Categories: Legislation Pest Management Turf Management
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