Community members relieved, urge speedy process
VENTURA — The Newsom administration on Aug. 14 sent notices to Dow and other manufacturers of its intention to cancel all registrations of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos, the formal start of proceedings to cancel chlorpyrifos’ registration in California. The filing comes at a critical moment, in light of the US EPA’s most recent refusal in July to take federal action on the pesticide, which is linked to permanent brain damage in young children. Simultaneously, the Newsom administration announced formation of a multi-sectoral work group, convened by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture to develop a statewide plan to support future California farming that’s less reliant on hazardous agricultural pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos.
“Today should be a day of celebration for all Californians – Governor Newsom is living up to his pledge to protect children from the hazards of chlorpyrifos while supporting farmers in their efforts to expand the production and availability of organic and sustainable food,” said Byanka Santoyo, Community Organizer for the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment, based in Kern County, where 20% of the state’s chlorpyrifos is used.
“Establishment of an alternatives work group is critical and should include the latest cutting edge science on agricultural ecology, especially on soil and ecosystem health as a means to support crop resilience to pests, diseases and other disturbances, which can make the use of pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos, largely unnecessary,” concurred Margaret Reeves, staff scientist for Pesticide Action Network who was recently named to join the work group.
For a chemical known to cause irreversible brain harm, California continues to use almost a million pounds a year of chlorpyrifos, with use heavily concentrated in the San Joaquin Valley. Although the cancellation proceedings have now officially begun, the process could take nearly two years to complete, a continued concern for agricultural communities.
“We are thrilled that the process to cancel brain-harming chlorpyrifos is moving. Our agricultural communities cannot wait any longer,” said Olga Medina Lideres Campesinas and VC-CAPS member. “We need to continue protecting the health of our unborn children, and I’m proud that our state is leading the way despite the federal government’s refusal to act.”
Californians for Pesticide Reform is a diverse, statewide coalition of over 190 member groups working to strengthen pesticide policies in California to protect public health and the environment. Member groups include public and children’s health advocates, clean air and water groups, health practitioners, environmental justice groups, labor, education, farmers and sustainable agriculture advocates from across the state.
Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety (VC-CAPS)