19 environmental groups have signed a letter urging Oregon legislators to tightens the rules for aerial spraying of weed killer.
The Eugene-based Beyond Toxics has been pushing for stricter rules since a group of Southern Oregon residents claimed such spraying poisoned them in 2013.
Director Lisa Arkin says the letter gives the effort more diverse support.
Arkin: “We have group who care about wildlife. We have groups that care about ecological health in general. We have groups that care about air quality. And all of these groups help us explain why this practice is so damaging.”
A bill expected this session would create no-spray buffers around homes and schools. It would also improve public access to information about spraying.
Some in the timber industry support updated rules, but major industry groups have called the issue a perception problem that presents no real risk.