ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland Senate has voted to ban a pesticide that has been found to damage children’s brain development.
The Senate voted 31-14 on Tuesday for the measure, which now goes to the House.
The Senate measure bans the pesticide called chlorpyrifos for four years, beginning Dec. 31. Supporters of a complete ban hope to make it permanent this legislative session. Supporters of the measure say the pesticide also poses threats to aquatic life and the Chesapeake Bay.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced last month it would develop regulations to phase out the regular use of the pesticide, but supporters of the legislation are pushing for a ban in the law.
California, Hawaii and New York have approved bans on the pesticide.
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