Methoprene Ban Bill Clears N.Y. State Assembly Hurdle

GREAT NEWS! A New York state bill that would ban the use of methoprene in coastal areas cleared the State Assembly's Environmental Conservation committee unanimously on Tuesday, May 23. The bill is sponsored by South Fork State Assemblymen Fred W. Thiele Jr. The bill, A.06336, is now in the Assembly's committee of "Codes". Call Thiele's office to register your support and to obtain information on whom to contact at the State Assembly to get this bill to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk. Some facts: • Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed into law a bill banning the use of the  pesticides methoprene and resmethrin in coastal areas due to their toxicity to fish, lobsters,  and other aquatic invertebrates. The ban went into effect on July 1, 2013.  •  Rhode Island and Massachusetts have ceased using methoprene and now use the biological  agents Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) instead of Methoprene to treat for mosquitoes. • The East Hampton Town Board has adopted a resolution opposing the use of methoprene  and asking the county to cease using it. Citing the importance of commercial and recreational fishing to the local economy, the board said methoprene “has not been adequately tested and found to be safe in aquatic and marine  invertebrates, fish, and zooplankton.”  To reach Fred Thiele's office: thielef@nyassembly.gov Albany, NY 12248 Bridgehampton, NY 11932 (518) 455-5997 (631) 537-2583 FAX:(631) 537-2836