Dear neighbors,
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it’s banning chlorpyrifos, one of the most widely used insecticides in the United States. Numerous studies have linked this pesticide to neurological effects, lower birth weights, reduced IQs, and other developmental problems in children. The Biden Administration is ending the use of chlorpyrifos on all food to protect children, people who are pregnant, and farmworkers.
I sent a letter signed by more than two dozen of my colleagues to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) last week, urging the agency to immediately suspend the registration and use of chlorpyrifos in Minnesota. I’m pleased to report that the MDA isn’t planning to renew registration of chlorpyrifos products for use on food or feed next year. You can read the entire letter we received from Commissioner Thom Petersen here.
I worked at the Minnesota House of Representatives’ booth at the State Fair last Friday. It was great connecting with people from across the state!
Upcoming Events
Renaming a Local Bridge
A bridge on Highway 52 in West St. Paul will be designated Private Joseph Marthaler Memorial Bridge later this month. I carried legislation that prompted this change, which honors a local service member who was killed in action during World War II. Please mark your calendars for the ceremony at the West St. Paul Sports Complex on Sunday, September 12 at 11 a.m.
Weigh In on Redistricting
Finally, I want to remind you that the House Redistricting Committee is inviting residents of the 2nd Congressional District to testify on Wednesday, September 15 at 11:30 a.m. My previous email mistakenly stated the hearing would be held on a Monday. You can find more details on the committee’s website.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out. You can contact me via email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or by phone at (651) 296-6828.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative