The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP)/Beyond Pesticides have partnered to support an amendment to HR 1, the Better Education for Students and Teachers Act, that would require each state to develop a school pest management plan.
At a minimum, a state school pest management plan will prohibit the application of pesticides to any area or room in a school that is occupied. It will also prohibit certain high-volume pesticide applications from occurring within twenty-four hours of the treated area being used by students and staff. The amendment also requires schools to post signs alerting students and staff of pesticide applications and to notify parents of the existence of the school pest management plan.
The amendment, entitled the School Environment Protection Act, is the byproduct of negotiations between NPMA, several other industry groups, NCAMP/Beyond Pesticides, and several senators. The next stop for HR 1 is a Congressional conference committee, where final negotiations will occur prior to final passage of the bill.
For more information, call 800/678-6722 or visit www.pestworld.com.
