Support Pesticide Reforms
The School Environment Protection Act of 2001 (SEPA), an amendment to President Bush's education bill that has already passed in the Senate and is currently in the House, has the support of school districts across the country. SEPA requires parental notification of pesticide spraying on school grounds, and promotes safer alternatives to pesticide use.
Bill Johnson, the environmental manger of Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado, supports the bill saying, "It's a great idea. Due to certain people's sensitivity - real or perceived - there should be an obligation to tell." (Denver Post, 8/14/01). See the article at http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1002,53%257E101647,00.html
Glenn Smartschan, superintendent of the Mt. Lebanon School District in Pennsylvania, supports the legislation as well. In a letter to Congress he wrote, "it is manageable and no more expensive than using herbicides and pesticides." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 8/12/01). See this article at http://www.post-gazette.com/headlines/20010812pests0812p2.asp
Click here for background
information on the School Environment Protection Act of 2001, including
ways to voice your support.