Pesticide ban ignores progress and innovation
County Councilman George Leventhal’s proposed ban on pesticide use for public and private property takes away products rigorously tested and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency from professionals and homeowners. The ban is based on fear, not science, and ignores the benefit of reliable weed, insect and disease controls for our community.
As former sports field manager for Montgomery County’s acclaimed Maryland SoccerPlex and a current worldwide educator on turfgrass management, my work is focused on creating better turfgrass at all levels. Progress is made daily toward creating solutions to improve local fields.
This proposed ban ignores this progress. It ignores innovation of product technology. And it removes many tools used to make fields and lawns better while reducing environmental impact — tools that remove weeds, reduce mowing and reduce irrigation; tools that keep turfgrass strong and healthy; tools tested and approved by the EPA.
This ban also fails to consider integrated pest management already practiced by licensed, professional lawn-care operators and turfgrass managers. It uses pesticide minimally to treat specific threats to healthy outdoor spaces.
Let’s not ignore the benefits of EPA-tested and approved pesticides because of misinformation. Ask your council representative to vote no on Bill 52-14.
Jerad Minnick, Rockville
The writer is the president and founder of Growing Innovations in Rockville.
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