"New York will restrict the use of the toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos, but will rely on regulations rather than legislation to accomplish the goal.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) Dec. 10 vetoed a bill (A.2477/S.5343) from the state legislature that would have entirely phased out the chemical by the end of 2021. At the same time, he directed the state Department of Environmental Conservation to issue its own phased-in ban.

His actions will result in an immediate ban on aerial uses of chlorpyrifos, to be followed by regulations to ban the chemical in all uses, except spraying apple tree trunks, by December 2020. That exception would be lifted by July 2021, he said.

The governor’s action appears to adopt the legislation’s approach, but on a faster timeline and with opportunity for public comment on the terms."

Keshia Clukey and John Herzfeld report for Bloomberg Environment December 10, 2019. [2]