Maryland to Phase Out Chlorpyrifos by End of 2021

On March 20th, the Maryland General Assembly decided on a partial ban on chlorpyrifos, mostly phasing it out in the state by the end of 2020, and entirely ending its use by 2021. Chlorpyrifos is a controversial, neurotoxic pesticide that has become the frequent target of legislation meant to protect children, consumers and farm workers. “This is a landmark victory for the health of Maryland’s children, farmworkers, and rural families. Chlorpyrifos threatens the brain development of children everywhere who eat the fruits and vegetables grown with it and poisons the people who live and work in agricultural communities. But the fight is not over since a provision to eliminate the law after four years was unfortunately added to this legislation. So, we will continue to push for a permanent ban on this harmful pesticide. Marylanders should not have to worry about this dangerous toxin re-appearing on their food after 2024.”   – Tom Hucker, Senior Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Read more at NRDC.org