Amending FIFRA through S. 718
Background info on a current Senate bill that proposes to remove pesticide regulations protecting water quality.
Last
month, we mentioned S. 718, the Senate cousin of HR 872 that passed the
House in March. This bill is currently in committee, so you have time
to contact your senators and tell them to oppose this destructive
legislation.
S. 718 would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) to eliminate certain pollution controls.
Background
Pesticide applicators are required to obtain permits through the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System - these are known as
NPDES permits.
Supporters of S. 718 incorrectly claim that NPDES
permits are redundant since pesticides are registered under FIFRA. The
truth is that FIFRA registration only affects how pesticides are labeled and sold, not how they impact water quality and the environment.
By contrast, NPDES permits are issued with the goal of reducing pesticide runoff into waterways. There's a big difference.
Contact your legislator today and urge them to protect water quality for people and wildlife by opposing S. 718!
