House passes bill to reduce pesticide-use regulations

The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed bipartisan legislation to eliminate certain regulations under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approved use of pesticides.

H.R. 953 would eliminate "pointless duplication of regulation over the lawful use of pesticides," said House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) in a press release.

"Under this bill, the use of pesticides will continue to be properly regulated, but without excessive burdens on communities, farmers, and private citizens, and without requirements that cause federal and state agencies to spend limited funds on red tape instead of on protecting public health," Shuster added.

The bill was supported by a coalition of businesses and organizations that use pesticides.