Pesticides: neonicotinoids for nonagricultural use: reevaluation: control measures.
The bill mandates the Department of Pesticide Regulation to assess the potential impacts of neonicotinoids starting with a draft human health risk assessment of imidacloprid in early 2024, followed by evaluations on aquatic organisms and cumulative impacts of exposure. The deadlines for these evaluations culminate in the adoption of necessary control measures by July 1, 2029. Notably, the bill provides clarification that no reimbursement is required for local agencies for any costs incurred in relation to these regulations, as the financial implications stem from the creation of new offenses under state law.
Assembly Bill 363, introduced by Bauer-Kahan, addresses the regulatory framework governing the use of neonicotinoid pesticides for nonagricultural purposes. The bill seeks to prohibit the sale, possession, or use of these pesticides on nonproduction outdoor ornamental plants, trees, or turf starting January 1, 2025. This legislation aims to protect pollinating insects, aquatic organisms, and human health by implementing restrictions based on a comprehensive evaluation of the risk associated with neonicotinoid exposure. The Department of Pesticide Regulation is tasked with conducting these evaluations and reporting its findings to the legislature for further action.
The sentiment around AB 363 appears generally favorable among environmental and public health advocates who argue that stricter regulations on pesticide use are crucial for safeguarding ecosystems and human health. However, there may be concerns from certain agricultural sectors and pesticide users who argue that such restrictions could limit options for pest management, potentially impeding landscaping practices and ornamental plant care in urban settings.
One point of contention is the scope and timing of the evaluations mandated by the bill, as stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the assessments in addressing the urgency of environmental and health concerns. Additionally, the exclusion of agricultural applications from the reevaluation could lead to calls for more inclusive and thorough assessments that cover all uses of neonicotinoids, thereby weighing their benefits and risks in agricultural contexts.