Ban Aerial Herbicide Spraying

An Act To Prohibit the Aerial Spraying of Glyphosate and Other Synthetic Herbicides for the Purpose of Silviculture (2021)

Sponsors: Troy Dale Jackson

LD 125

J.D. Irving and other large Maine forest landowners routinely spray hazardous chemicals from the air to manage their holdings. Glyphosate, the most commonly used herbicide in forest management, is linked to serious environmental harm and health impacts. It may cause chromosomal damage, harm fetal development, reduce liver and kidney function, and lead to endocrine disruption. Aerial herbicide spraying also reduces food and habitat for wildlife. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that glyphosate likely threatens nearly every animal and plant species on the U.S. list of threatened and endangered species. Additionally, herbicide spray drift can travel a mile or more, which jeopardizes the health and economic livelihood of organic farmers, who lose their organic certification for three years through such contamination. Vermont and Mexico have banned this practice. Although the bill was enacted by the Legislature, Governor Mills vetoed the bill and the veto override vote (two-thirds vote needed) failed passage.