Bill 476

                    Current Status

Bill Number:                       476
Type of Legislation:               Concurrent Resolution CR
Introducing Body:                  Senate
Introduced Date:                   19950208
Primary Sponsor:                   Leventis 
All Sponsors:                      Leventis 
Drafted Document Number:           PFM\7129BDW.95
Date Bill Passed both Bodies:      19950307
Subject:                           Staple herbicide, cotton
                                   farmers

Body    Date      Action Description                       Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  _______________________________________  _______ ____________

Senate  19950307  Received from House
House   19950302  Adopted, returned with concurrence
House   19950228  Debate adjourned until
                  Wednesday, 19950301
House   19950223  Committee report: Favorable              24 HIMR
House   19950208  Introduced, referred to Committee        24 HIMR
Senate  19950208  Adopted, sent to House
Senate  19950208  Recalled from Committee                  01 SANR
Senate  19950208  Introduced, referred to Committee        01 SANR

COMMITTEE REPORT

February 23, 1995

S. 476

S. Printed 2/23/95--H.

Read the first time February 8, 1995.

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S. 476), memorializing the members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation and the Environmental Protection Agency to help South Carolina's cotton farmers, etc., respectfully

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

RICHARD M. QUINN, JR., for Committee.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

MEMORIALIZING THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO HELP SOUTH CAROLINA'S COTTON FARMERS AND THE ECONOMY OF THIS STATE BY ENCOURAGING AND APPROVING EMERGENCY ACTION TO ALLOW THE USE OF "STAPLE HERBICIDE".

Whereas, South Carolina's cotton industry is in a state of emergency due to a serious problem with a resident weed called pigweed. This weed is resistant to all herbicides currently available to our state's cotton farmers; and

Whereas, cotton is one of the most profitable industries in South Carolina; and

Whereas, pigweed already dramatically has affected South Carolina's cotton industry. It is imperative that our cotton industry find immediate relief from this persistent and growing problem; and

Whereas, last year's cotton yield in this State was cut as much as thirty to fifty percent in fields where pigweed is a problem. According to the South Carolina Cotton Board, many cotton farmers are considering reducing their cotton production in 1995 due to their losses in 1994 and the lack of a viable solution; and

Whereas, if an effective herbicide is not available in 1995, the loss to South Carolina is projected to be as much as twelve million dollars; and

Whereas, the DuPont Company has developed a new product, "Staple Herbicide", which has the ability to control pigweed and reduce early season herbicide use as much as ninety-eight percent; and

Whereas, "Staple Herbicide" is not available on the market, so South Carolina's cotton farmers need to secure emergency relief through the Environmental Protection Agency to allow the use of this herbicide; and

Whereas, the positive effects from the use of "Staple" will be felt throughout the cotton industry in South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly memorialize the members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation and the Environmental Protection Agency to help South Carolina's cotton farmers and the economy of this State by encouraging and approving emergency action to allow the use of "Staple Herbicide".

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation and the director of the Environmental Protection Agency.