For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Statement by Montgomery County Councilmember Marc Elrich
on Montgomery County Circuit Court Ruling Overturning Pesticides Ban
ROCKVILLE, Md., August 7, 2017—On Aug. 3 the Montgomery County Circuit Court ruled that the County’s cosmetic pesticides ban is preempted by Maryland law. Councilmember Marc Elrich’s statement is below.
Of course, I am disappointed with the ruling on the pesticide law that we passed for the County. I continue to believe that this bill makes good sense for the environment and for the public health -- especially children.
Too many people believe that because a pesticide is allowed for use by the federal government and by the state, then it must be safe. Yet scientists, medical researchers and physicians advocate for great caution when using pesticides. I continue to believe that the Council’s bill was a commonsense approach to reducing pesticide use, promoting organic lawn and field care and educating people about pesticides and alternatives.
Our bill prohibited pesticides on lawns, while allowing exceptions for noxious weeds and invasive species. Pesticide use simply is not necessary on lawns - it is not good for the environment, our children and even our pets.
I, along with my colleagues, will be exploring our options going forward. And I look forward to seeing the process and results of the organic athletic fields pilots from our Parks Department.
For more information, please go to:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Elrich/News_Initiatives.html#pesticide
where I outline the top five reasons I believe this legislation is so important, and where I list multiple studies, statements and more that support this position.