MSMA Herbicide Cancellation Pending

The Environmental Protection Agency announced in September 2006 it was looking into canceling technical registrations for MSMA. Recently the EPA informed MSMA registrants that it intends to proceed with the cancellation (for MSMA and the other organic arsenical herbicides).

Those who are concerned about the cancellation of the herbicide should fax a letter and call your U.S. senators and representative. MSMA has benefits for licensed lawn care professionals, the Professional Landcare Network says. There is no other cost-effective herbicide available for treatment of certain weeds, including the production of turfgrass sod, according to the organization.

Those who want to speak out against the canellation can visit PLANET's Legislative Action Center, download the form letters available there, and fax them on your letterhead to their senators and representatives. Also, PLANET recommends that those concerned call their senators and members of Congress in their Washington, D.C., offices through the congressional switchboard at 202/225-3121. Ask to speak to the staff member who handles agricultural issues.