Document text
--> --> Pesticide program could be slowed by money issues SALEM (AP) - The state's budget squeeze could delay implementation of Oregon's pesticide reporting law that's supposed to inform people about when, where and in what amounts the toxic chemicals are being used around the state. The compromise law was first approved by the 1999 Legislature, but its effective date was put off until Jan. 1, 2002, to give the various interests, including farmers and the pesticide industry, time to figure out how the law should work. In preparation for the Jan. 1 start-up, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking legislative approval to spend $265,000 to hire a consultant to develop an electronic reporting system - a crucial first step in putting the system in place. However, the Legislative Emergency Board, which will consider the issue later this week, is being advised by the Legislature's budget analysts to delay action on the request until early next year because of uncertainty over the state's budget problems. The proposed delay drew criticism Tuesday from environmentalists who said they think it represents "foot-dragging" by some lawmakers who reluctantly voted for the 1999 act and now don't want to see it take effect. "Fifty pesticides have been found in the Willamette River and its tributaries, and nobody knows where they came from," said Laura Weiss of the Oregon Environmental Council. "That's why having detailed information about pesticides is so important." The law requires farmers, commercial applicators and cities to report to the state Department of Agriculture the chemicals they use to kill insects or weeds, as well as where, when and in what amounts they use them. Home use is not covered. The information will be available mainly to researchers at accredited institutions, although the public will have access to some of the information in a report published at the end of each year, starting in 2003. State lawmakers already are planning to come into special session early next year to deal with what could be a $600 million deficit that could force sharp reductions in state spending. Still, Gov. John Kitzhaber's environmental advisor, Chris Dearth, said the governor hopes the Emergency Board this week will approve the $265,000 request so the pesticide reporting program can begin Jan. 1. "The governor is concerned that without this funding, we will not be able to implement this system in a timely manner or as well as we would like," Dearth said. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing