To: The United States Senate

Stand against pesticide pollution of our water

The dubiously named “Sensible Environmental Protection Act”( S. 1500) eliminates the requirement for point sources to have a permit to spray pesticides in and around our waterways under the Clean Water Act.

Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of human health problems, as well as die-offs of bees, grassland birds, and other wildlife. Permitting helps ensure pesticides are used in a responsible way that reduces contamination of our streams, rivers, and lakes.

For public health and safety, I strongly encourage you vote against this insensible bill, and also respectfully ask that you make a public statement against it.

Why is this important?

The Senate committee charged with protecting our environment just passed a bill that would make it a lot easier to spray pesticides in and around our rivers, lakes, and streams.

The bill should be called "The Contaminate Waters at Will Act” since it eliminates the need for permitting to spray pesticides into our waterways. The documented health hazards and loss of wildlife attributed to pesticides are the exact reason why businesses and industries are required to obtain permits to spray in and around bodies of water.

Please tell your senators to stand against this reckless action now.