What's happening
This bill prohibits the use of Methoprene pesticide in storm drains and water habitats near Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, except in public health emergencies.
Why it matters
Aims to protect marine and coastal ecosystems. by restricting Methoprene, a pesticide linked to harm in aquatic life such as lobsters and other invertebrates, which are economically and ecologically important to the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean regions.
Could impact local mosquito control practices,. as Methoprene is commonly used to manage mosquito populations by targeting larvae in water; this may require municipalities to seek alternative pest control methods except during serious public health threats.
Elevates the role of county health departments. in balancing environmental protection with public health needs, as they are given authority to approve emergency uses of Methoprene only when there is a demonstrable significant threat to public health.
Signals a shift toward environmental precaution. for coastal communities, potentially setting a precedent for future pesticide regulations in sensitive habitats and highlighting growing concerns over chemical impacts on water quality and marine biodiversity.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Methoprene in Waterways
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Methoprene in Waterways
In Assembly Committee · Codes · Sponsor Fred Thiele
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
S. 4314 A. 6366
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
March 7, 2019
IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. THIELE, L. ROSENTHAL, COLTON, OTIS, ABINANTI, MOSLEY -- read once and referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the use of Methoprene
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 33-1301 of the environmental conservation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 12 to read as follows:
12. For any person to use any pesticide containing the active ingredient isopropyl(2E, 4E)-11 Methoxy-3, 7, 11 Trimethyl-2, 4 Dodecadienoate (Methoprene) in any storm drain, conveyance for water or fish habitat in any municipality adjoining the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, and their connecting water bodies, bays, harbors, shallows and marshes provided, however, an emergency application of such pesticide may be made as determined by the county health department in cases where there is a significant threat to public health.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2020.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03219-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the use of Methoprene
Purpose
This legislation would prohibit the use of Methoprene, a larvicide.
Summary of provisions
Section 33-1301 of the environmental conservation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 12 relating to make it unlawful for any person the use of any pesticide that contains the active ingredient isopropyl (2E, 4E)-11 Methoxy-3, 7, 11 Trimethyl-2 4 Dodecadienoate (Methoprene) in any storm drain, conveyance for water or fish habitat in any munici- pality adjoining the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean and their connecting water bodies, bays, harbors, shallows and marshes provide, however, an emergency application of such pesticide may be made as determined by the county health department in cases where there is a significant threat to public health.
Justification
Methoprene (trade name Altosid) is used as a larvicide to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus. Unfortunately, it has the unintended consequence of killing lobster larvae, as well as contributing to lobster shell disease.
In order for. New York's lobster populations to grow to acceptable, sustainable levels, we must take steps to ensure that dangerous chemi- cals do not enter the ocean. Methoprene contains chemicals which are negatively affecting the lobster population and should be banned in any storm drain, conveyance for water or fish habitat in any municipality adjoining the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean and their connecting water bodies, bays harbors, shallows and marshes provided, however, an emergency application of such pesticide may be made as determined by the county health department in cases where there is a significant threat to public health.
Legislative history
2017-18: A.6336A/S.4819A 2015-16: A.8715/S.6641
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
January 1, 2020.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.