Oregon Toxics Alliance and its partners are claiming a victory with the Wednesday unanimous decision made by Lane County commissioners to ban indefinitely the use of roadside herbicide spray on county roads. OTA has played a large role in urging the public to write their commissioners in support of the ban.

The commissioners, acting as the Lane County Board of Health, will hire two workers to battle weeds and other destructive plants.

“Why don’t we just say, ‘No herbicides,’ and let’s just move forward,” Commissioner Bobby Green said at the meeting, receiving applause in a boardroom crowded with herbicide opponents and others. “This is something that we need to put to bed.”

The victory is built upon the success of OTA when it urged for the innovative policy to use chemicals only as a “last resort.” All the members and staff at Oregon Toxics Alliance are thrilled have progressed forward.

Check out the Oregon Toxics Alliance page for ways you can thank your commissioners.