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Commission adopts 2025–26 reduced-risk pesticide list; one commissioner opposes
Summary
The San Francisco Commission on the Environment voted to adopt the 2025–26 reduced-risk pesticide list for city properties, adding a small set of products and clarifying product language; the motion passed 6–1 with Commissioner Hunter voting no and expressing concern about worker exposure and precautionary standards.
The San Francisco Commission on the Environment voted to adopt the department’s 2025–26 reduced-risk pesticide list for municipal properties after a staff presentation and discussion on Sept. 22.
Doctor Shobha Iyer, integrated pest management (IPM) program manager at the San Francisco Environment Department, described the annual review process and proposed additions. The commission passed the resolution approving the list by recorded roll call: President Sullivan, Vice President Tompkins, Commissioner Ahn, Commissioner Bermejo, Commissioner Ryals and Commissioner Yuan voted aye; Commissioner Hunter voted no.
Why it matters: The IPM reduced-risk pesticide list governs permitted pesticide products for use on city-owned properties. Changes affect how parks, golf courses and other municipal properties manage invasive plants, rodents and pests while seeking to minimize hazardous pesticide use.
What the commission considered
Iyer told commissioners the IPM program has reduced use of the highest-hazard (tier 1) pesticides on city properties by about 99% since 2010 and expanded reliance on lower-hazard alternatives in recent years. She described the department’s annual convenings with city IPM professionals, a public hearing in August and a new citywide contract for pest-management services that includes IPM requirements.
The staff recommendation included adding three tier 1 products for narrowly defined uses: Advion WDG (an insecticide) for ant management, Drione (an insecticide) for tropical rat mites and yellow-jacket control when public safety is a concern, and Quicksilver (an herbicide) to manage moss on golf-course greens. The list also proposed two tier 2 additions (including Poa Cure for invasive grass on golf courses and a rodenticide called Cadet) and two tier 3 additions (an insect bait, Vion Microflow, and a rodent contraceptive called Evolv). Iyer said language for seven existing entries was clarified (product names, EPA registration numbers, ingredient details and use limits).
Commission discussion and dissent
Commissioner Hunter questioned retention of certain rodenticides and a golf-course herbicide (Turf Lawn) for Harding Park and said she was concerned about worker exposure and the precautionary standard. "I don't think I'm going to be voting in favor of this item based off of what I just heard," Hunter said, citing concerns about the strength of the evidence and the city’s precautionary responsibilities.
Matt Pruitt, senior IPM specialist for Recreation and Parks, told the commission that the Turf Lawn use at Harding Park is targeted and limited to maintain playability at the PGA-level course and that applicators follow label protections and reentry intervals to limit exposure.
Vote and formal action
Motion: "Adopt the 2025–26 reduced risk pesticide list (Resolution file 2025-06-COE)." Mover: Commissioner Bermejo. Second: Commissioner Ralls. Outcome: approved; recorded roll call 6–1 (Hunter opposed). The resolution file referenced in the agenda was identified as 2025-06-COE.
Program context and next steps
Iyer emphasized that the IPM ordinance governs only pesticide use on city-owned properties and does not affect private or commercial uses of registered pesticides. The department will continue monthly IPM meetings, training for city staff, toxicological review of products and outreach to departments as the new list is implemented under the recently executed citywide pest-management contract.
Clarifying details presented to the commission
- IPM program founding year: 1996. - Reported reduction: city departments reduced tier 1 pesticide use by about 99.2% from 2010 to 2024, according to staff slides. - The city added narrowly defined uses for three tier 1 products and clarified language for seven existing entries.
The commission’s vote finalizes the list for municipal use; staff said they will continue training and work with departments to apply IPM practices that limit hazardous pesticide exposure while managing pests on city properties.
