By Tia Auger HB 399 is a step in the right direction towards a healthier,
environmentally sound, and sustainable future. While there are many positive aspects to this bill, it still has room for improvement, and much stricter regulation would be ideal in the near future. I support this bill as is, although it could be improved with some revision. One of the most hope inducing parts of this bill is its sponsor, Jim McConnell. It is encouraging that a republican representative is supporting this bill. Pesticide restriction is stereotypically dismissed by conservatives who believe regulation is unnecessary, and difficult for business. It is misunderstood that technology alone will solve environmental issues without any push such as regulation to do so. In their 2016 platform the republican party stated, We firmly believe environmental problems are best solved by giving incentives for human ingenuity and the development of new technologies, not through top-down, command-and-control regulations that stifle economic growth and cost thousands of jobs. Yet, it has often been seen that businesses are capable of quickly rebounding and updating technologies without job losses or upsetting the economy, and regulation is the fastest way to induce change. The economy relies on resources provided by the environment. The economic system of unlimited growth is simply impossible in a finite world where the actions of industry cause a positive feedback loop where mass amounts of resources are used in ways that ultimately destroy more resources. Putting health before business is also best for the long term health of the economy, and does not just benefit the modern 1%. If the bill passes, it would be another recognition of the dangers of pesticides in law. This is why companies such as Monsanto have already taken notice of it, and are testifying against it. Pesticide companies are reliant on the general public being naive to the health and ecological impacts of pesticides, or there would be public uproar. Because so many of the products used today are harmful to human health, unless there is a large scientific push or regulation many are willing to dismiss the danger because they, “...will already get cancer anyways.” It is absolutely deplorable that citizens are exposed to such health risks so commonly, and HB 399 is the first of many steps towards a healthier society. This bill is easy for even skeptics to support because no one wants to endanger children who are obviously the most at risk due to their developmental stage and their interactions with lawns. We do need to value human life at all ages as well. While the bill is a good step forward it could use clarification, and better notification systems. Several positions within local government are given responsibilities that need further detail. There should be detailed rules regarding what can be considered an emergency warranting pesticide application. If the town board of health does not agree with the purpose of this bill, any small issue could be considered for pesticide application. Those in charge of this should also be provided an educational course or reading material to learn more about safe pest management and the health effects of pesticides. The notices would also be much more effective prior to pesticide use so it may be effective to require pesticide sprayers to post signage in case those responsible for providing notice to citizens were unable to before pesticides were sprayed. HB 399 would be a great addition to New Hampshire legislation that would truly be for the people. At the very least it was able to spark a conversation and educate people on the negative health effects of practices so common they go unnoticed. As Rachel Carson states in Silent Spring Why should we tolerate a diet of weak poisons, a home in insipid surroundings, a circle of acquaintances who are not quite our enemies, the noise of motors with just enough relief to prevent insanity? Who would want to live in a world which is just not quite fatal?
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AuthorsStudents and faculty from classes on Environmental Governance and Environmental Law at Keene State College are the authors of these posts. We also invite guest authors when appropriate. Archives
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NH Science for Citizens
Department of Environmental Studies Keene State College Keene, NH 03431 A project of students and faculty at Keene State College in collaboration with local NH state representatives.
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