Support S.269 – Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act

Each year, the United States uses over a billion pounds of pesticides accounting for approximately one fifth of worldwide use. In 2017 and 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency registered more than 100 pesticides containing ingredients considered to be dangerous. 

In February 2023, Senator Booker (D-NJ) re-introduced the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act  (S.269 PACTPA) for the second time. The bill which was originally introduced in the 116th Congress by Representative Neguse’s (D-CO-2) Office in the House and Senator Udall’s (D-NM) Office in Senate. The bill would ban the most damaging pesticides that have been scientifically proven to harm the safety of people and our environment.

Some of the stipulations of the bill include: 

• A pesticide is deemed dangerous if the product or active ingredient is found to be carcinogenic, acutely toxic, an endocrine disruptor, harmful to pregnant women, or able to cause neurological or developmental damage 
• Pesticide ingredients are required to be registered determined to be safe in order to be used in pesticides 
• Any ingredient not registered is deemed to be dangerous and cannot be used in pesticides 
• Analysis of chemicals must use legitimate science and cannot take economic cost into consideration 

The previous bill never went further past introduction in Congress, but we now have an opportunity to pass the Bill again. It is essential for the safety of families to advocate for the usage of safer chemicals, especially in pesticides. There is evidence to suggest that increased exposure to toxic pesticides has led to increasing childhood cancer rates. Join the growing number of businesses demanding the use of safer chemicals especially for children and families. 

By signing this letter, you’re telling the two Senators who represent your state that business leaders support the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act and want them to endorse S.269.