Conn. bill would restrict insecticide use

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut House of Representatives has passed a bill that would restrict the use of methoprene, an insecticide thought to be behind the decline of the lobster population in Long Island Sound.

State Representatives passed a modified version of the measure 130-to-16 Monday at the state Capitol. It now awaits action in the Senate.

The proposed legislation would prohibit the use of the insecticide in any storm drain or water run-off in coastal areas on Long Island Sound, but it could be used in bird baths and swimming pools.

Under the legislation, methoprene could be used against mosquito larvae in bodies of water upon a recommendation by the mosquito management coordinator at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The bill also has provisions to protect against West Nile virus.