Congressmember Sam Farr (D-Carmel) wants to know how and when the Light Brown Apple Moth was blacklisted–and whether it’s possible to declassify it.
“If we don’t even know why the moth is listed as a dangerous pest, it’s impossible to determine how far we must go to control it or whether the current emergency eradication tactics are justified,” said Farr today, after he asked
USDA Under Secretary Knight to explain how and when the moth was originally “blacklisted” and whether a pest with that label has ever been recategorized. Secretary Knight promised to provide answers.
“It’s vital that we get to the bottom of these questions,” Farr said.
LBAM aerial spraying is set to begin in June on the Central Coast of California, and in August in the Bay Area.