BILL NUMBER:  S6641

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
prohibiting the use of Methoprene

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

This legislation would prohibit the use of Methoprene, a larvicide.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

Section 33-1301 of the environmental conservation law is amended by
adding a new subdivision 12 relating to make it unlawful for any
person to use of any pesticide that contains the active ingredient
isopropyl (2E, 4E)-11 Methoxy-3, 7, 11 Trimethyl-2, 4 Dodecadienoate
(Methoprene) in any storm drain, conveyance for water or fish habitat
in any municipality adjoining the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic
Ocean, and their connecting water bodies, bays, harbors, shallows and
marshes provided, however, an emergency application of such pesticide
may be made as determined by the county health department in cases
where there is a significant threat to public health.

 JUSTIFICATION :

              

Methoprene (trade name Altosid) is used as a larvicide to prevent the
spread of the West Nile virus. Unfortunately, it has the unintended
consequence of killing lobster larvae, as well as contributing to
lobster shell disease.

In order for New York's lobster populations to grow to acceptable,
sustainable levels, we must take steps to ensure that dangerous
chemicals do not enter the ocean. Methoprene contains chemicals which
are negatively affecting the lobster population, and should be banned
in any storm drain, conveyance for water or fish habitat in any
municipality adjoining the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean,
and their connecting water bodies, bays, harbors, shallows and marshes
provided, however, an emergency application of such pesticide may be
made as determined by the county health department in cases where
there is a significant threat to public health.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2013-14: A.8374-A
2011-12: A.7980
2009-10: A.3152
2007-08: A.11373

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
January 1, 2017