Lawmakers, scientists and communities press DPR on pesticide protections and implementation

A joint hearing of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee and the Senate Environmental Quality Committee drew scientists, county agricultural commissioners, industry representatives and dozens of residents to Sacramento to examine whether California's pesticide program is protecting people and the environment. Assemblymember Connolly opened the proceeding by noting the program's scale: "in 2023, there were 176,000,000 pounds of pesticides applied across the state," and said the Legislature's intent under AB 2113 is to accelerate safer alternatives and stronger oversight.