California Eyes Novel Risk-Based Pesticide Fees to Help Budget

California wants to change the way it charges fees on pesticide sales by switching from a flat fee to a tiered system that increases based on health risks associated with exposure.

The plan would update the state’s fee structure for the first time in 16 years and nearly double the costs for high-risk pesticides, such as those containing 1,3-dicloropropane and metam-potassium, which are among the most popular in the state to treat insects and weeds. Both come with a poison warning label.

When fully deployed, the tiered assessment should bring in $45 million annually to help the state ...