Gibbs’ bill to cut EPA red tape passes the House
WASHINGTON, DC – Legislation introduced by Congressman Bob Gibbs to cut EPA red tape and give mosquito control districts greater ability to prevent public health crises passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support by a 256-165 vote.
H.R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017, reverses the outcome of a 2009 US Circuit Court decision that required an unnecessary and costly second permit when spraying pesticides that had already been approved and regulated for use by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The second permit provides no additional environmental benefits and increases compliance costs at the expense of our public health. The legislation brings certainty for the agriculture community that provides our nation’s food supply while continuing its commitment to protect the environment.
“We’ve seen the consequences of this duplicative and unnecessary permitting requirement since it went into effect in 2011,” said Congressman Gibbs. “Cities and local governments that conduct routine preventive mosquito abatement should not have to do it with one hand tied behind their backs. This bill ensures the permitting process adheres to EPA’s current authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to approve and regulate these lifesaving pesticides. This is a commonsense measure that provides peace of mind to those living in communities prone to mosquitoes by eliminating the need for a redundant permit that diverts resources from the mission of protecting public health. Thank you to Chairman Shuster and Chairman Conaway for your leadership in helping pass this critical regulatory reform.”
Category: Government
