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Aerial pesticide ban supporters turn in over 15,000 signatures
Story Date: 10/9/2017
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Source: OREGONIANS FOR FOOD AND SHELTER, 10/7/17
Last Friday, the "Freedom from Aerial Herbicides Alliance" turned in over 15,000 signatures for an initiative petition that would ban the aerial application of herbicides in Lane County. Proponents have been collecting signatures for nearly two years.
The Lane County Clerk now has two weeks to verify the signatures. If it is determined that there are the required number of signatures, the county will analyze the measure to determine if it meets the single amendment requirement for initiative petitions. If the Clerk determines that the measure meets the requirements, it will appear before Lane County voters in May of 2018.
It's important to note that the state pesticide preemption law protects against local regulations on pesticides, but it does not prevent a county from voting on those regulations.
Supporters of the measure know that their measure is preempted, so they also turned in 10,000 signatures on a "community rights" measure. This initiative would establish the right of Lane County to enact laws regardless to state, federal or international preemption. This is another case where the proposal is clearly unconstitutional, but there is nothing to keep the proponents from putting the measure before voters. If supporters are able to collect the 11,506 valid signatures before mid-February, the measure would appear on the May 2018 ballot.
OFS will be working with our coalition partners and members within Lane County to oppose both measures. Stay tuned for more updates.
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