Montgomery County Council Vice President George Leventhal recently introduced legislation restricting the use of certain chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) that are dangerous to human health and are not necessary for a healthy, lush, green lawn. In addition to a wide range of human diseases and conditions linked to the chemicals, Leventhal cited adverse impacts on pets, wildlife (including pollinators), and our waterways. Bill 52-14 restricts the use of harmful synthetic lawn pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and others used for non-essential aesthetic purposes, on manicured grasses and certain county-owned properties. The proposal would still allow use of these products for agriculture and gardens, invasive species and noxious weeds, and golf courses. It also expands public notice requirements and requires the county to adopt an Integrated Pest Management Program. If passed, this would be a landmark ordinance as only two other local jurisdictions — Takoma Park, Md. and Ogunquit, Maine — have enacted similar restrictions.