California Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed a bill that will require the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation to identify whether agricultural pesticides contain per‑ and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) when they are reported in a public database. The measure also obligates the department to track statewide trends in PFAS pesticide use.
Why the tracking law matters for California growers
California produces nearly half of the nation’s vegetables and more than three‑quarters of its fruits and nuts. By making PFAS pesticide data publicly available, the state hopes to give growers, regulators and consumers the information needed to assess where these chemicals are being applied and to consider alternatives.
Environmental groups welcome the transparency
Monica Amarelo, vice president of media relations for the Environmental Working Group, said the new database will allow the state to “start analyzing what’s being used, applied where, and how to move forward to get rid of it.” The group has long advocated for stronger oversight of PFAS chemicals, which have been linked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to health concerns such as cancer, high cholesterol and immune‑system effects.
Legislative history of the bill
The bill originated as a more aggressive proposal sponsored by Burbank Democrat Nick Schultz. That earlier version would have barred state regulators from approving any new pesticide containing PFAS. Farm groups in California opposed the stricter language, arguing it would hinder agricultural productivity. In response, lawmakers scaled the proposal back to the current tracking‑only version.
Lawmakers view the step as essential
Schultz praised the final law, calling it “a vital step toward ensuring California’s agricultural legacy is defined by health and innovation.” He emphasized that “you can’t fix what you can’t see,” underscoring the belief that data collection is the first step toward any future regulation.
What PFAS are and where they appear
PFAS chemicals are used in a wide range of products, from water‑repellent clothing and firefighting foam to grease‑, water‑ and oil‑resistant items such as non‑stick cookware. Their persistence in the environment has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.” By tracking their use in agriculture, California joins a growing number of states seeking to understand and eventually reduce exposure.
Next steps for the Department of Pesticide Regulation
Following the governor’s signature, the Department of Pesticide Regulation will develop the reporting framework and launch the public database. Stakeholders, including growers, environmental advocates and public‑health officials, will be able to monitor the data as it becomes available.
While the bill does not yet impose limits on PFAS pesticide use, it establishes a foundation for future policy decisions based on transparent, science‑based information.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
