No more buzzing around Senator Stern’s mosquito vault bill makes it out of the Senate on the Governor’s desk.
For Immediate Release
Anne Di Grazia - Communications Director
No more buzzing around Senator Stern’s mosquito vault bill makes it out of the Senate on the Governor’s desk.
SACRAMENTO, CA- (08/28/24) In another victory against a different kind of threat, Senator Stern's SB 1251 "Mosquito Utility Vaults," targets a pesky problem affecting communities statewide. This bill mandates investor-owned electric utilities to collaborate with mosquito abatement agencies or health departments to mitigate mosquito breeding in utility vaults.
SB 1251 mandates that an electrical utility must enter into to a vector management agreement with local health authorities within 180 days of a request, if previous voluntary efforts have not succeeded.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind SB 1251, Senator Stern remarks, "Like many parents, witnessing my children suffer mosquito bites is unpleasant and can come with other diseases, I knew we had to tackle this issue head-on. Utility vaults are a breeding ground for these pests, and it's time for change."
The urgency for action comes after a survey revealing that 75% of California Mosquito and Vector Control districts report issues with mosquito production in utility vaults. With these bills, Senator Stern reaffirms his commitment to safeguarding California's environment and public health. As the legislative journey continues, he remains steadfast in his fight against the pest- now awaiting a signature from the Governor.
FLOOR SPEECH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-RTb2tuny8