BILL NUMBER:  S524

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
providing the definition of integrated pest management

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA :

This bill defines integrated pest management to provide a basis of
understanding and common understanding of the practice and intention.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

Adds new subdivision 27-a to section 33-0101 of the Environmental
Conservation Law to define integrated pest management as a "systematic
approach to managing pests that utilizes a diversity of management
options to minimize health, environmental and economic risks and
impacts.

These options may include biological, cultural, physical and chemical
tools to prevent pest infestations or reduce them to acceptable
levels.

 JUSTIFICATION :

              

Although integrated pest management (IPM) is often touted as a means
of reducing pesticide usage, New York State lacks a clear definition
of what this actually means. This legislation would define IPM thus
providing a clear and unified starting point for future development
and regulation. This definition was created in consultation with
Cornell University's NYS IPM Program and representatives of other
industry sectors.

The biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools provided for in
the definition are a starting point which infer a level of
understanding regarding the various options available to manage pest
infestations. This level of knowledge or understanding may require an
educational element to be obtained by individuals or organizations
that employ an IPM system.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2015,2016: S.3064/A.1186 Passed Senate
2013,2014: S.2203/A.1172 Passed Senate
2011,2012: S.2775/A.7129 Passed Senate
2009,2010:  S.4949-A/A.4147-A Passed Senate
2007,2008: A.1096 Referred to Environmental Conservation
2005,2006:  A.1565 Referred to Environmental Conservation
2003,2004: A.5928 Referred to Environmental Conservation
2001,2002: A.462-A Passed Assembly
1999,2000: A.945-A Referred to Environmental Conservation
1997,1998:  A.4505-B Passed Assembly
1995,1996: A.2072-A Passed Assembly

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :

State agencies, public authorities, and public benefit corporations
will realize a cost savings as a result of a reduction in pesticide
use.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.