Rep. Rush Holt (D-Pa.) introduced a bill March 20 that would require schools to implement integrated pest management programs to minimize the use of pesticides in schools.

The School Environment Protection Act (H.R. 4225) would require school districts to hire an integrated pest management coordinator to oversee implementation of a plan to control pests with minimal use of pesticides. School districts would only be able to use nontoxic or "least toxic" pesticides, with the "least toxic" pesticide only to be used as a last resort.
 
Schools also would only be allowed to use natural fertilizers; synthetic fertilizers would be prohibited. The legislation also would require school districts to provide a universal notification of the integrated pest management plan in a school calendar or handbook.
 
The bill, which has 19 co-sponsors, was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Click here to keep track of the progress of this bill.