04-R 293

2004 -- H 8506

06/01/04

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TO INSTITUTE PROGRAMS THAT WILL HELP TO REDUCE THE ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS USED IN LAWN AND GARDEN LANDSCAPING

Introduced By: Representatives Fox, Ajello, Naughton, Crowley, and Lima

Date Introduced: May 11, 2004

     WHEREAS, Home landscaping is an integral part of our culture and plays an essential

role in the quality of our environment, affecting our well-being and our physical and

psychological health; and

     WHEREAS, Lawns and gardens are everywhere and the desire to beautify our

surroundings is an integral part of our lives. Oftentimes, the path taken to produce a beautiful

space is in direct conflict with our environment’s health and well-being; and

     WHEREAS, Large quantities of toxic lawn chemicals, often in addition to various other

pesticides, are being used on Rhode Island property for landscaping purposes by homeowners and

the lawn care and landscaping industry. The quality of life in this state, and indeed our state’s

outlook is predicated on our ability to protect our environment for future generations; and

     WHEREAS, Children are especially susceptible to toxic substances both because of their

small size and because of their fast rate of growth. It is critically important that we demonstrate to

our most cherished resource, our children, respect and conservation for our land and their future;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests the Honorable Donald Carcieri to institute

programs aimed at reducing the allowable amount of toxic chemicals used in lawn and garden

landscaping in the State of Rhode Island and to educate the public on the potential dangers to our

environment from the use of landscaping chemicals; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Governor Donald Cacieri, the

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Toxic Information Project.

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LC03383

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