New York Assembly Votes Yes and We Are One Step Closer to Banning Unnecessary Uses of Toxic Neonic Pesticides
Advocates Created a BUZZ in Albany and Neonics will feel the Sting
For immediate release: April 27, 2022
Albany, NY – This week, advocates from across the state came together in Albany to build support for the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which was just passed by the NYS Assembly. This law would ban the use of neonicotinoid (neonic) treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds, as well as ornamental uses such as on lawns, gardens, and golf courses. A diverse coalition, made up of environmental organizations, health care professionals, and organic farmers worked for several years to advance the bill.
“The birds are chirping and the bees are buzzing with praise for our Assembly members taking action to address toxic neonic pesticides.” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “Neonics not only threaten our pollinators, but also contaminate our entire environment. From Long Island to the Great Lakes, neonics are contaminating our water resources and are often found at high levels. By eliminating the high-risk/low benefit uses of this pesticide, we can protect our pollinators, water quality, health, and environment. CCE applauds Assemblyman Steve Englebright for sponsoring and championing this bill and the NYS Assembly for passing the Birds and Bees Protection Act. We look forward to continuing our work with the Senate bill sponsor and champion, Senator Hoylman, in moving this bill through the Senate”.
Neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”) are pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. These pesticides largely added as a seed coating to plants, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans and used as a spray for ornamental plants and turf. As a seed coating these chemicals persist and spread as the plant grows, making the entire plant toxic to bees and other pollinators. Neonics also threaten New York’s water resources, food security, and public health.
The harmful overuse of neonics has devastated pollinator populations across the globe and in New York. These pollinator losses have been attributed to the sudden spike in use of neonics, mainly from treated seeds. Corn, soybean, and wheat treated seeds account for over 73% of all neonics used in New York and ornamental uses make up an additional 15%. According to a 2020 report by Cornell University, these uses provide no net income benefit to users yet pose some of the highest risks to pollinators.
The Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.699C/A.7429A) would ban these low benefit/high risk uses of neonics in NY. This will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators from this toxic pesticide.