https://www.ourvalleyvoice.com/2024/11/22/farmworker-communities-call-separate-and-unequal-regulation-of-pesticide-racist/ In-depth, locally-produced coverage of the Central Valley. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:00:03 -0700 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.ourvalleyvoice.com/2024/11/22/farmworker-communities-call-separate-and-unequal-regulation-of-pesticide-racist/#comment-143871 Anthony Noriega Sat, 23 Nov 2024 05:11:04 +0000 https://www.ourvalleyvoice.com/?p=49719#comment-143871 Response from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) District 5 de Inland Empire The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) District 5 de Inland Empire stands in solidarity with farmworker communities in their rightful call for equal protection under the law. The draft regulation released by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) regarding the carcinogenic pesticide 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) represents a troubling instance of systemic inequity that disproportionately impacts Latino and Indigenous communities. We find it unacceptable that DPR's current regulation allows children and residents near agricultural fields to be exposed to cancer-causing pesticides at levels 14 times higher than those deemed acceptable for occupational bystanders, such as farmworkers. This “separate and unequal” standard is scientifically indefensible and perpetuates environmental racism. LULAC Inland Empire demands that DPR adopt a single, health-protective standard that ensures all Californians—regardless of their race, income, or proximity to agricultural fields—are safeguarded from harmful exposure. We also urge DPR to uphold the recommendations of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) by ensuring exposure to 1,3-D does not exceed the lifetime cancer risk level of 0.04 parts per billion (ppb) for anyone in California. Farmworkers and their families, who are the backbone of California’s agricultural industry, deserve the same protections afforded to other residents. It is the responsibility of DPR to prioritize public health and environmental justice over corporate interests, particularly for communities historically burdened by pesticide exposure and its long-term health effects. LULAC District 5 reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of farmworker communities and advocating for policies that protect their health, safety, and dignity. We call on DPR to revise its draft regulation to reflect equitable and just standards that protect all Californians equally. Anthony Noriega
Director, LULAC District 5 – Inland Empire anoriega1947@gmail.com 1(951)236-5684 Response from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) District 5 de Inland Empire
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) District 5 de Inland Empire stands in solidarity with farmworker communities in their rightful call for equal protection under the law. The draft regulation released by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) regarding the carcinogenic pesticide 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) represents a troubling instance of systemic inequity that disproportionately impacts Latino and Indigenous communities.
We find it unacceptable that DPR’s current regulation allows children and residents near agricultural fields to be exposed to cancer-causing pesticides at levels 14 times higher than those deemed acceptable for occupational bystanders, such as farmworkers. This “separate and unequal” standard is scientifically indefensible and perpetuates environmental racism.
LULAC Inland Empire demands that DPR adopt a single, health-protective standard that ensures all Californians—regardless of their race, income, or proximity to agricultural fields—are safeguarded from harmful exposure. We also urge DPR to uphold the recommendations of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) by ensuring exposure to 1,3-D does not exceed the lifetime cancer risk level of 0.04 parts per billion (ppb) for anyone in California.
Farmworkers and their families, who are the backbone of California’s agricultural industry, deserve the same protections afforded to other residents. It is the responsibility of DPR to prioritize public health and environmental justice over corporate interests, particularly for communities historically burdened by pesticide exposure and its long-term health effects.
LULAC District 5 reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of farmworker communities and advocating for policies that protect their health, safety, and dignity. We call on DPR to revise its draft regulation to reflect equitable and just standards that protect all Californians equally.
Anthony Noriega
Director, LULAC District 5 – Inland Empire
anoriega1947@gmail.com
1(951)236-5684

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