Maine Gov. Wants To Override Local Pesticide Rules In 30 Municipalities

"More communities are developing ordinances meant to protect residents from toxic chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. "

"Even though Paul Schlein is a careful, detail-oriented sort, he didn’t fuss over his testimony before heading to Augusta late last month for a hearing on a pesticides bill. The Arrowsic retiree planned to testify against the bill, which came from Gov. Paul LePage’s office and was crafted to override municipal ordinances that set stricter limits on pesticide use than the state does.

Schlein simply printed out the same statement he’d used last year, when Gov. LePage floated slightly differently worded legislation that would have had the same impact: shutting down local ordinances like the one that had just passed in South Portland."

Mary Pols reports for the Portland Press Herald April 1, 2018.