Lincoln County (Oregon) Bans Aerial Pesticide Spraying
Voters vote YES on Measure 21-177 in narrow victory over pesticide companies
First electoral ban of pesticides in the country!
PRESS RELEASE (5.30.17)
Newport – Measure 21-177, a measure to ban aerial spraying of pesticides (including herbicides, adulticides, fungicides), squeaked into law by a vote of 6994 for the ban versus 6933 against it, making the ban on aerial pesticide spraying in Lincoln County a reality. Thanks to the many people who volunteered and campaigned so valiantly, the vast amounts spent by corporate opponents failed to convince voters that profits are more important than health, safety, and the right to informed consent.
By this victory, Lincoln County is the first county in the United States to ban aerial spraying of pesticides by the vote of the people. This is not the first time Lincoln County has spoken truth to power and won.
“Back in 1976, folks here put Lincoln County on the map by winning a huge landmark case against the United States government, stopping federal spraying of Agent Orange on our forests and homes and waterways,” said Susan Parker Swift. “Now Lincoln County has done it again. I couldn’t be prouder to share this repeat victory!”
Barbara Davis, co-petitioner of measure 21-177, says our win brought to her mind the following quote by Margaret Mead:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Citizens for a Healthy County
For more information www.yes-on-21-177.org
The initiative is titled “Freedom of Lincoln County from Aerially-Sprayed Pesticides” is an important step in allowing the people of Lincoln County to decide on whether or not to allow aerial spraying to continue or to cease where we all live and breathe. This local Lincoln County initiative, upon becoming an ordinance, will:
- Ban aircraft application of pesticides on clearcut forest land in Lincoln County.
- Protect our right to choose clean drinking water.
- Relieve our families and properties, wildlife and watershed from pesticide drift.
- Allow spray by backpack or tractor for farm, home, or fishing boat applications.
- Establish a local bill of rights to enable people to make important decisions about what happens in our community.
- Affirm and protect our rights to safety guaranteed to us under the Oregon State Constitution Article 1.
- Safeguard our wildlife from Atrazine and 2,4-D
Contact: Maria Sause mkrausster@gmail.com
Rio Davidson riodavidson@gmail.com
