Aug 28, 2008 4:10 pm US/Pacific
Bill Requires Public Review Before Aerial Spraying
SACRAMENTO (AP) ―
The state Legislature has approved a bill that would require public hearings and health evaluations before officials could order aerial spraying in cities to control agricultural pests.
Democratic Assemblyman Jared Huffman of San Rafael introduced the bill. It was in response to the Schwarzenegger administration's aborted plans to use aerial spraying to control the light brown apple moth in the San Francisco and Monterey areas.
The program was canceled in June after months of public uproar.
The bill would require the state or county agency considering spraying to hold at least one public hearing to consider alternatives.
Officials also would have to evaluate the public health risks and reveal each ingredient in the pesticide to be sprayed.
The Assembly voted 53-9 Thursday to approve Senate amendments and send the measure to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has not taken a position on it.
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