To: Maureen Kirk, Butte Co. Supervisor, The California State House, The California State Senate, Governor Gavin Newsom, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate

Ban Paraquat Herbicide

Ban paraquat in residential areas.

Some almond growers use the most highly toxic herbicide called paraquat. For example, the almond orchard on Morehead in Chico uses paraquat, no warning signs, with houses with kids and animals across the street. The half-life of paraquat in the soil is up to 20 years.

Many food producers use non-toxic herbicides: "There are numerous design, management, mechanical, and cultivational practices, as well as some plant extracts, that can be used instead of paraquat, depending on the weed species and the situation." http://wssroc.agron.ntu.edu.tw/note/Paraquat.pdf

Why is this important?

Paraquat is the most toxic herbicide developed in the last 60 years. It shouldn't be used in residential areas.