HR0790 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0790 LRB096 16138 GRL 31394 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, An increased number of Illinois municipalities are experiencing infestations of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius); the health, habitability, and quality of life in affected dwellings has been diminished by this growing public nuisance; and

WHEREAS, Bed bug infestations are uniquely challenging to exterminate; the infestations have, however, been successfully treated through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies; and

WHEREAS, The Ohio Department of Agriculture has petitioned the U.S. EPA for a waiver of Section (18) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to facilitate the indoor use of the insecticide Propoxur to treat bed bug infestations in residences; 12 additional states have contemplated joining this petition; and

WHEREAS, Propoxur is classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group B2) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is listed as a known human carcinogen by the State of California; and

WHEREAS, In April of 2009, the U.S. EPA held its first-ever National Bed Bug Summit to solicit recommendations on dealing with the growing public nuisance of bed bugs; among the major recommendations emanating from that summit was policy support for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches; and

WHEREAS, The common bed bug is a public health nuisance; it is in the public interest to protect the health of Illinois citizens and promote safe and effective strategies for the eradication of bed bugs; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and other relevant State agencies to not join the petition for an EPA waiver for residential Propoxur use in combating bed bugs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all relevant State agencies to fully examine their statutory authority to promote the use of IPM strategies in the eradication of bed bugs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be sent to the Directors of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Public Health.