Lawsuits, Legislation, and Pressure by Throngs of Californians Stop Aerial Pesticide Spray Over Urban Areas for Light Brown Appl

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Groups and Legislators Celebrate Success but Some Urge Caution that Schwarzenegger Administration has Other Plans

By Frank D. Russo

Yesterday, the California Department of Food and Agriculture(CDFA) reversed its previous decision to spray an untested pesticide over 9 highly urbanized coastal counties in an attempt to control the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM). Citizens groups and legislators celebrated this victory, but some urged caution, warning that aerial spraying will continue in parts of the state, as well as other controversial measures involving pesticides.

The CDFA reversal came after court suits blocked spraying in central California counties, legislation was making its way to the governor’s desk, and a public outcry which resulted in 29 cities and 3 counties passed resolutions against the spraying. Additional lawsuits were planned.

“We are encouraged by the state’s announcement to stop the use of aerial pesticides over urban communities, but today’s announcement doesn’t go far enough. The entire LBAM eradication program remains fundamentally flawed, promoting the use of pesticides without scientific evidence of threat. The devil is in the details of the continued ground and aerial pesticide use. Nevertheless, the eradication program remains unnecessary, unproven and unsafe,” said Paul Schramski, State Director of Pesticide Watch. The CDFA still plans aerial spraying in ‘highly forested areas,’ yet to be determined.

Oakland City Attorney John Russo, whose office has been working with Bay Area cities and groups including Earthjustice to stop the spray program from happening without a serious environmental review, had this to say: “This is a victory for all Californians who believe that our government should not gamble with public health and the well being of our environment. After the court decisions in Santa Cruz and Monterey, the state’s plan to spray an untested chemical over our homes, businesses and schools without a proper environmental review was all but over. Credit is due to Secretary Kawamura for putting a stop to a poorly conceived program before Oakland and our neighbors had to go to court to do it for him.”

Another John Russo, a beekeeper in Monterey County and no relation to the author or the City Attorney, founder of StopTheSpray.ORG, hailed the decision from a grassroots perspective: “The research, websites, community outreach, lawsuits, and lobbying done by thousands of ordinary citizens from Pacific Grove to Sonoma created the pressure that made this possible. This is an extraodinary example how people can come together, get involved, and make a difference. A significant threat to ourselves and our environment has been eliminated.”