3 Anti-Malathion Bills Get a Break

Urban opponents of the aerial spraying of malathion won a victory Thursday when three bills aimed at restricting the pesticide’s use were sent to the friendly Assembly toxics committee instead of the agriculture committee.

The Assembly Rules Committee voted 8 to 1 to refer the measures to the committee formally known as the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Wastes Committee. The committee, headed by Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D-El Monte), is made up primarily of legislators from urban districts.

The main focus of the Rules Committee debate was a bill by Assemblyman Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles) that would halt aerial malathion spraying until the Food and Agriculture Department prepares a yearlong study of its health effects.

A second bill by Assemblywoman Doris Allen (R-Cypress) would give the state Air Resources Board authority over aerial pesticide spraying and make it harder for the governor to approve aerial spraying. A third bill, by Assemblyman Lloyd Connelly (D-Sacramento) would make comprehensive changes in pesticide regulation.