An Act To Protect Maine's Lobster Fishery

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  scientific data show the adverse effects of methoprene and resmethrin on the lobster populations in Long Island Sound in Connecticut; and

Whereas,  in order to prevent similar adverse effects on the lobster population of this State, the introduction of methoprene and resmethrin into the Gulf of Maine must be prohibited as soon as possible; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1471-CC  is enacted to read:

§ 1471-CC.  Restricted use of methoprene or resmethrin

The use of methoprene or resmethrin is prohibited in any body of water that drains into the Gulf of Maine or on land from which runoff could enter into any such waterway.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits the use of methoprene or resmethrin, 2 chemicals used for mosquito control, in any body of water that drains into the Gulf of Maine or on land from which runoff could enter into any such waterway.