Defines "integrated pest management" for the purposes of the use of pesticides

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the definition of "integrated pest management"

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to define "integrated pest management" in state law to be consistent with the federal definition.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends Section 33-0101 of the environmental conservation law to add a new subdivision (27-a) to define "Integrated Pest Management" to make it standard with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's definition.

Justification

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes "Integrated Pest Management" IPM as "age-old, common-sense practices" that put in technical terms is "the coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment."

The EPA specifically defines IPM as "a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks."

IPM is a sound environmental and agricultural practice that helps protect our food supply and keeps our businesses, homes and recreational areas safer from pests that can physically harm humans.

This bill would align the state definition of IPM in statute to be consistent with the federal definition.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

Immediately.