Senate Concurrent Resolution 559

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE MAY 27, 2007, AS "RACHEL CARSON DAY IN MISSISSIPPI" TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICAL PESTICIDES.

WHEREAS, worldwide exposure to chemical pesticides brings about greater harm than most people realize; and

WHEREAS, more than three billion kilograms of pesticides are spread on the earth annually, exposing both human and wildlife populations to chemicals, with potentially serious repercussions for life everywhere; and

WHEREAS, our children are uniquely vulnerable to chemical pesticides due to their developing physiology and to their habit of frequently putting their hands into their mouths; and

WHEREAS, chemical pesticides applied outdoors are washed into our waterways and our drinking water sources. Several types of cancer, neurological diseases, endocrine disorders and birth defects have all been associated with exposure to common pesticides; and

WHEREAS, pregnant women, children, asthmatics, cancer patients, elderly and other immune compromised people and migratory birds are all highly vulnerable to toxic effects of chemical pesticides; and

WHEREAS, more than 40 years ago, the well-known writer, scientist and ecologist Rachel Carson alerted America and the world to the potential hazards of pesticides in her landmark book, Silent Spring. Despite the warning, the quantity of pesticides used in our country has continued to grow over the years and poses a potential threat to all life forms:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate May 27, 2007, as "Rachel Carson Day in Mississippi" in honor of her prophetic work, and urge the citizens of Mississippi to focus their attention on the potentially serious hazards associated with chemical pesticides, and for their cooperation in seeking alternative methods of pest management.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.