After 12 Years, House, Senate Pass Bill To Control Overuse Of Fertilizer On Turf

On July 6, the House passed and sent to the Governor  Senate Bill 251 (Yaw-R-Lycoming, Comitta-D-Chester) which sets standards for the application of fertilizer to turf, provides for the certification of professional fertilizer applicators and for labeling and an education program.

The goal of the legislation is to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient pollution going into Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams.

The bipartisan legislation was sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Minority Chair of the Committee and other members.

The Senate and House had versions of this legislation introduced for consideration, but never passed, for 12 years.

The legislation was included as a recommendation in Pennsylvania’s latest Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan.

A copy of the House Fiscal Note & Summary is available.

Related Article:

-- Op-Ed: Fertilizer Bill A Good Start, But Science-Based Changes Are Needed For It To Be Effective

[Posted: July 6, 2022]  PA Environment Digest