OFS wields significant power over our state's decision makers and will oppose any reform that might reduce pesticide use. 97310 Dear Governor Kitzhaber, I am writing to encourage you to give the public the right to know about pesticide use in the state. Pesticide use reporting can lead to reductions in pesticide use and protect citizens, especially children, from exposure to these poisons. It is estimated that over two billion pounds of pesticides are use every year in the U.S. in farms, forests, schools, parks, gardens, public buildings, golf courses, and even hospitals. Pesticides are dangerous because they are designed to kill are damage living organisms.
Pesticides also contaminate our rivers and threaten fish and wildlife.
Yet virtually no information in available to citizens, or even to government agencies, about pesticide use in our state. We need to give Oregonians the right to know about what pesticides are used, where, and in what quantities. With this information we can make informed decisions to protect public health, water quality, and wildlife. Please let me know your views on this important matter.