School Grounds Pesticide Ban Signed into Law!

Governor Paterson Signed the Safe School Grounds Bill (A07937 - Englebright / S04983 - Foley) on May 18, 2010.

This law will ban almost all uses of chemical pesticides on the grounds of schools and day care centers, and protect children from unnecessary exposure to toxic pesticides.

The law will prohibit pesticides used for lawn care on school grounds, playgrounds, turf, athletic and playing fields. The law does not apply to pesticides used in a health emergency, as determined by the county health department or school board, or to protect children from an imminent threat of biting, stinging and venomous pests. In weighing the risks versus the benefits of using these hazardous chemicals for lawns and ornamental plants, it is clear that precaution is advisable, especially because safer alternatives do exist.

"We are elated and thankful to Governor Paterson for signing the Safe School Grounds bill into law. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of pesticides and exposing them to toxic pesticides in their schools and day care facilities is unacceptable when safe, effective alternatives are available. Senator Foley and Assemblyman Englebright are to be congratulated for their leadership in bringing this historic bill to a successful conclusion. This is the most significant pesticide legislation to be enacted in New York State in many years," said Demosthenes Maratos, Program Director for the Long Island Neighborhood Network.

The Neighborhood Network worked to make the School Grounds Pesticide Ban bill a priority for passage in the 2010 legislative session. Professional lobbyists in Albany represent the chemical industry extensively. It is estimated that Long Island applies over 10 million pounds of pesticides every year. In densely populated suburban areas, that amount of chemical poisons released into our environment greatly impacts Long Islanders’ air and water quality, and ultimately our health.

Thank you and congratulations to all our members, supporters and friends who contacted their state legislators and the Governor in support of the Safe School Grounds law.