Res. No. 1039 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Senate to pass S.2095-A, regarding the establishment of a State Urban Pesticide Board. Body By Council Members Quinn, McMahon, Gennaro, Comrie, Gentile, Gerson, Nelson, Weprin and Yassky Whereas, According to a January 2003 report by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) and Environmental Advocates (EA) entitled Avoidable Risk: Pesticide Use Patterns in New York City for 1999, approximately 3.4 million pounds and 238,441 gallons of pesticides were reportedly used in New York City in 1999; and Whereas, Pesticide use in New York City constituted thirteen percent of the total pounds and seven percent of the total gallons of pesticides used in New York State; and Whereas, Although total pesticide use in New York City decreased in 1999 as compared to previous years, Avoidable Risk argues that New York City's use of pesticides is disproportionate to its size relative to the rest of the state; and Whereas, Many commonly used pesticides, including those used in New York City, pose numerous health risks, such as respiratory and nervous system damage; and Whereas, No agency exists within New York State which focuses exclusively on pesticide use in urban areas, and the effects the use pesticides has on urban health; and Whereas, S.2095-A would establish a State Urban Pesticide board, the purpose of which would be to investigate the use and sale of industrial strength pesticides in urban areas, enforce existing restrictions on pesticide sales, research the efficiency and use of non-toxic means of pest control management, investigate the use of illegal pesticides in urban areas and to educate the public about pesticide use in the home; and Whereas, The State Urban Pesticide Board would be authorized to make policy reform recommendations to the State Legislature and the Governor regarding pesticide use, sale and application; and Whereas, The New York State Assembly passed A1110-B, the companion bill to S.2095-A, on April 28, 2003; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York urges the New York State Senate to pass S.2095-A, regarding the establishment of a State Urban Pesticide Board. LS#1760 JM 9/12/03