On January 27, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the release of a proposed regulation to prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and use of pesticide products containing the active ingredient. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed DEC to ban chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide, in December 2019 to safeguard public health and protect environmental resources, particularly pollinators. The proposed regulation is subject to public comments through April 5.
“Directed by Governor Cuomo, New York is at the forefront of environmental leadership and among the first states in the nation to ban pesticides containing chlorpyrifos,” said Seggos. “The release of the proposed regulation today is further evidence of New York’s sustained commitment to protecting our communities and the environment and I encourage interested New Yorkers to review and comment on the proposal.”
This proposed regulation will add chlorpyrifos to the list of prohibited pesticides in 6 NYCRR 326.2(c) of New York’s pesticide registration regulations. According to the DEC, scientific research has shown that chlorpyrifos can harm the development of the nervous systems of infants and young children. Prenatal exposure to organophosphates reportedly can result in diminished cognitive ability, delays in motor development, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
See information concerning the review process, proposed rulemaking, and supporting documents.
