BILL NUMBER: S4314

SPONSOR: LAVALLE
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to prohibiting the use of Methoprene

 
PURPOSE:

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

 
SUMMARY OF 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
the 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 munici-
pality adjoining the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean and their
connecting water bodies, bays, harbors, shallows and marshes provide,
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 chemi-
cals 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.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2017-18: A.6336A/S.4819A
2015-16: A.8715/S.6641

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
January 1, 2020.