Three Wellesley sixth graders are asking State lawmakers to help towns protect residents and the environment from harmful pesticides.
The students joined members of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) at the Statehouse on November 12 to advocate for local legislation relating to Pollinators, Pesticides and Miscellaneous Matters.
At a hearing of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Jack Burkhead, Natalia Medina and Kavin Shah gave testimony in favor of House Bill 776.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth), aims to give local governments more oversight on reducing toxic chemical use on private property and encouraging organic alternatives.
The students learned about pesticide dangers last year during a 5th grade project-based learning unit at Bates Elementary School.
As part of its Grow Green Wellesley initiative, the NRC has partnered with the Board of Health to educate residents about the effect of pesticides on public health.
In addition to tesifying, the students met briefly with Rep. Fernandes and Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley).
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Natalia Medina, Rep. Fernandes, Kavin Shah and Jack Burkhead. | Students and NRC Chair Katie Griffith gave testimony. | NRC Director Brandon Schmitt, Rep. Peisch, Jack Burkhead, Kavin Shah, NRC member Raina McManus, Natalia Medina, and NRC Chair Katie Griffith. |