Portland, Maine to Review Pesticide Ordinance - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Portland, Maine to Review Pesticide Ordinance

As previously reported, several communities in Maine are currently discussing ordinances to restrict or ban pesticides. The latest is the City of Portland which recently announced that their Energy & Sustainability Committee will review the language of a draft ordinance that is under consideration in the neighboring community of South Portland. The committee next meets from 5 to 7 pm on March 15, but it is unknown at this time if the measure will be on the Committeeā€™s agenda.Ā 

The proposed South Portland ordinance is heavily influenced by activist organizations that are providing. background materials in support of the measure that are extremely one sided, make statements that are untrue, and seem biased to obtain a specific objective: the elimination of synthetic lawn care substances in the community. The far reaching measure calls for a two-stage elimination of all non-organic pesticides; the first stage calls for the elimination of pesticide use on all public properties within one year, and the second stage bans private pesticide use within city limits in year two. The measure exempts golf courses and agriculture. NALP and its allies will continue to vigorously oppose this measure and encourage all local members to take action and voice their concerns during the hearing.