Parnell’s new pesticide regulations trample public process

To the editor:

The new Feb. 7 state pesticide regulations enacted by the Parnell Administration’s Department of Environmental Conservation mean that herbicide misuse and herbicide overuse on state public lands and rights of ways will occur endangering our health. It is an assault on the democratic and constitutional rights of Alaskan citizens. We will not be able to participate in decision-making. Public comment, public hearings and public appeals are eliminated. Drinking water sources and salmon streams are at risk. Citizens don’t even have the right to know on the ground if the railroad and highway rights of ways have been sprayed with toxic herbicides. What kind of state Legislature allows this to happen?

Becky Long

Talkeetna