Before 2003, the state maintained the roadsides by removing vegetation with weed whackers and lawn mowers. Then, in 2003, MassHighway began using toxic chemicals to get rid of weeds -- toxic chemicals that can run off into our water supply and which can present significant health hazards.

There's no need to expose these communities to dangerous chemicals when a lawnmower or a pair of hedge trimmers will do the trick.  Plans are in the works to begin using these toxic chemicals later this month, so we need to act quickly. We've asked the Secretary of Transportation and Construction Bernard  Cohen to choose safer alternatives, and I'd like to ask you to do the same.

Petition Text:

The toxic chemicals that are contained in the herbicides that MassHighway is using to maintain roadsides can runoff into drinking water, which can present significant health hazards. There is no need to expose our communities to these risks when safer alternatives are available. Please replace these dangerous chemicals with organic herbicides or manual weed removal methods.