The Legislature is advancing a bill to set a moratorium on the rodenticide diphacinone to save nontarget wildlife.
In 2020 the state passed Assembly Bill 1788, setting a moratorium on certain uses of second-generation anticoagulants (SGARs). But the death of P-22, a beloved mountain lion who lived on the outskirts of Los Angeles, brought rodenticides back in the spotlight. Biologists found evidence of the pesticide in his body after a car hit him.
Assemblymember. Laura Friedman of Glendale asserts the widespread use of rodenticides is still killing wildlife. Her bill, AB 1322, specifically targets diphacinone, a first-generation anticoagulant (FGARs). It would ban use until the Department of Pesticide Regulation sets stronger restrictions, with an exception for agriculture. Friedman recommended alternatives like sealing off buildings or deploying hawks and owls.
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Proponents of AB 1322 urged lawmakers to abide by the precautionary principle and eliminate products with any potential hazards. The Center for Biological Diversity argued the burden should be on pesticide manufacturers, not the public, to prove FGARs are safe.
Pest Control Operators of California contends the pesticide is needed for buildings, transportation and public health. Others argued the EPA is already reviewing FGARs.
Meanwhile: DPR announced last week it will be reevaluating diphacinone, setting up AB 1322 for a potential veto in September. The Assembly has until June 2 to pass the measure.
