For Immediate Release: July 23, 2015
House passes DARK Act limiting local rights to govern GMOs
Despite an outpouring of opposition, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1599 (Pompeo) earlier today — dubbed the Denying Americans the Right to Know Act or DARK Act — on a 275 -150 vote.
The bill, as passed, would limit the ability of states to label genetically engineered (GE, genetically modified organisms, or GMOs) foods. It would also limit local governments to govern the use of the engineered crops and associated pesticides near schools, homes and other vulnerable sites, and nullify existing laws on the books. It moves next to the Senate.
Kristin Schafer, policy director at Pesticide Action Network released the following statement:
“The bill passed by the House today is a blow to governments and the rights of their citizens that want more information about and better protections from pesticide-promoting genetically engineered seeds and crops. The DARK Act threatens the few remaining safeguards communities have to protect farmers from contamination of their crops and children from drifting pesticides. We urge the Senate to stand firm, rather than cave to pesticide industry pressure. They must reject this bill that not only leaves Americans in the dark about our food and where it comes from, but also undermines our democracy.”
###
Contact: Paul Towers, 916-216-1082
ptowers@panna.org
