2nd Hearing on Montgomery County Pesticide Bill is Thursday: Let your voice be heard.

A landmark ordinance was introduced last fall to prohibit the use of toxic lawn pesticides throughout the county. Bill 52-14 is based upon growing concerns of the health risks associated with exposure to pesticides, and creates a safe space for residents in Montgomery County by prohibiting the use of non-essential land care pesticides on both public and private property.

Unfortunately, Councilmembers are under overwhelming pressure from chemical companies and pesticide applicators to weaken this bill.

If the Council doesn’t hear from residents that support these critical protections for human and environmental health, this bill will be watered down, or may not pass at all.

This bill represents the latest in a growing movement to prevent exposure to chemicals that run-off, drift, and volatilize from their application site, causing involuntary poisoning of children and pets, polluting local water bodies such as the Chesapeake Bay, and leading to widespread declines of honey bees and other pollinators.

Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 17 are possible and/or known carcinogens, 18 have the potential to disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system, 19 are linked to reproductive effects and sexual dysfunction, 11 have been linked to birth defects, 14 are neurotoxic, 24 can cause kidney or liver damage, and 25 are sensitizers and/or irritants.

Events for the hearing date, Thursday, February 12th:
6:00pm Pre-hearing Rally/Pizza. Come meet Councilmembers (Cafeteria - 2nd floor)
7:30pm Public Hearing ( 3rd floor)

Where:
Montgomery County Council Building
100 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850