SENATE MEMORIAL 14

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2022

INTRODUCED BY

Brenda G. McKenna

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO APPOINT A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE USE OF PESTICIDES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND REPORT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

 

     WHEREAS, pesticides are used in homes, in other buildings and in the environment to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate insects, rodents, fungi, weeds and bacteria and other microorganisms that have deleterious effects on humans, animals and plants; and

     WHEREAS, it is no exaggeration to say that pesticides have saved millions of lives through the eradication of many insect-and rodent-carried diseases and in saving and increasing crop yields; and

     WHEREAS, while the environmental and toxicity profile of modern pesticides has significantly improved over the decades, both the misuse and use of pesticides may negatively impact the health of children, adults, pets and wildlife; and

     WHEREAS, public awareness and concerns related to the health impacts of pesticides have increased in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, the federal environmental protection agency has recommended the use of a pest management system that emphasizes nonchemical approaches to pest control, particularly in areas in which children are present, such as parks and school grounds; and

     WHEREAS, ecological land and building management practices that emphasize nonchemical methods of pest prevention and management can eliminate or significantly reduce the use of and exposure to pesticides while controlling pest populations; and

     WHEREAS, least-toxic pesticides should only be used in a designated situation after nonchemical options have been attempted and exhausted; and

     WHEREAS, an understanding of current pest management practices and policies used in public schools can provide a baseline for the need and future development of pest management guidelines for public schools;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico department of agriculture and the public education department be requested to appoint a task force to study the use of pesticides in public schools; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force be inclusive of those individuals that the departments believe to be relevant to accomplish requested tasks; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider the efficacy of ecological pest management practices, including benefits and drawbacks, for indoor and outdoor use; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force report its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2022 to the governor, the legislature and the appropriate local government officials; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the New Mexico department of agriculture, the secretary of public education, the New Mexico municipal league and the New Mexico association of counties for distribution to local government officials.

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