Urgent Action Needed From All RISE Grassroots Members

Take Action!

Local Washington DC Pesticide Bill Will Have National Impact

RISE Grassroots Members,

We urgently need engagement TODAY no matter where you live. The Council of the District of Columbia is considering legislation that would greatly restrict pest control use and application.  We cannot allow this type of public policy to be the law where our federal legislators and regulators work and live. Expressing your concern as a U.S. citizen regarding our nation’s capital is valid and important.  It is imperative DC Council hears from potential tourists, business travelers and citizens that they will not travel to Washington, D.C. if pests go unchecked.

A few specifics about the legislation

Last month, Councilmember Mary Cheh (D), chair of the Committee on Environment, Public Works and Transportation, introduced the “Pesticide Education and Control Amendment of 2012.”  It would require the District Department of Environment to classify all registered pesticides as either “minimum risk” or “restricted use” pesticides.  Under this law any pesticide may be classified as a restricted use pesticide, even if such a designation is not given by the U.S. EPA.  The bill would forbid any pesticide designated as restricted use from being applied to public property, schools, child-occupied facilities or water-way contingent property.  In addition, the legislation contains a definition of integrated pest management that would only allow the use of pesticides only as a last resort.

What can I do as a member of the RISE Grassroots Network?

The DC Council needs to hear from you.  Follow the instructions contained in this legislative alert to automatically send the attached editable letter to members of the DC Council. Additionally, have your company write a letter and pass this message on to friends, family and other concerned citizens.   Letters must be sent by March 30.

Your engagement is critical.

Thank you for taking immediate action.

Aaron Hobbs
President
Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment

Dave Morris
RISE Chairman
Dow AgroSciences LLC