November 3, 2023 

The nation’s mosquito and vector control districts would see a federal regulatory break to carry out their services in rivers, streams, and other navigable waterways with NSDC-supported legislation in the House.

H.R. 5089 (Rouzer), the Reducing Regulatory Burden Act, would expedite mosquito and vector control districts’ ability to apply federally-approved pesticides to prevent the spread of vector-borne illness in navigable waterways without seeking another federal permit – the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. 

Under current law to seek a NPDES permit to apply substances that federal agencies have already approved for their intended use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA. This additional regulatory hurdle can lead mosquito and vector control districts to delay some operations, thus creating a vulnerability for public health.

NSDC communicated its support to bill sponsor, Congressman David Rouzer, R-N.C., in a November 2 letter.