Senate Bill 27 "An Act relating to pesticide use; relating to program receipts collected by the Department of Environmental Conservation for registrations and licenses relating to pesticides; and providing for an effective date."
Click for PDF: http://www.akdemocrats.org/sponsor/SB027_ss_sen_ellis.pdfAlaskans lack the necessary records to safeguard their own exposure to pesticides. Certified pesticide applicators (CPA) are required to keep documentation on restricted use pesticides, but they are not required to report even this small percentage of total pesticide use. The limited documentation kept is extremely difficult for the public to access. According to a recent survey, 93% of voters favor required disclosure and reporting of pesticide use in Alaska. SB 27 makes the commercial use of pesticides in public areas -- such as schools, parks, and municipal buildings -- known to the public. This bill creates a mechanism to study the suspected link of pesticides exposure to increasing cancer rates, immune system disorders, reproductive health problems, respiratory illnesses, and allergies. This bill specifically: • Charges pesticide manufacturers a $150 registration fee per label. Alaska is the only state that does not receive such a fee. • Establishes a $25 per annum registration fee for certified pesticide applicators. The Department provides training and licensure, but does not have the authority to charge a fee. • Requires notice be given of commercial pesticide spraying. Allow individuals to minimize their exposure to pesticides near their home and work. • Requires Certified Pesticide Applicators to report pesticide use to DEC. They are currently required to collect the information, but not required to report. • Mandates DEC establish a pesticide tracking system readily available to the public. Information can be cross- referenced with other databases like the Cancer Registry. • Establishes a seven-member Pesticide Advisory Board to research ways to limit public exposure to pesticides. This is a volunteer board, which will incur minimal expenses to the State. The $150 manufacturer's registration fee and the CPA licensure fees will fund the development of the tracking system. Information collected by this tracking system will enable researchers and public officials the opportunity to create policy that reduces public exposure to hazardous chemicals, protects water quality, and keeps pesticides out of subsistence foods.