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Rep. LaMalfa Votes to Reduce Regulatory Burdens, Streamline Mosquito Control Permitting Process

May 25, 2016

Washington, DC – Rep. LaMalfa today released the following statement on the House’s passage of H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act.

“Zika remains a serious threat in our communities with the number of Americans infected increasing. While work continues to be done to advance a vaccine and treatment options, it is equally important that states and local districts have vector control tools, such as pesticides, on hand to protect residents and help slow the spread of this disease. Unfortunately, producers of these vital tools are forced to redirect a large portion of their time and money to comply with duplicative, unnecessary permitting requirements that were never intended under the law. The bill we passed today eliminates these barriers and ensures all those involved in mosquito control efforts can focus on advancing safe and effective methods to prevent and combat mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, in our neighborhoods.”

H.R. 897, which passed on a vote of 258-156, repeals EPA regulations that require permits under the Clean Water Act for the applicative of a pesticide that is already approved under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide (FIFRA).

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

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