Ban Dangerous and Unnecessary Uses of Toxic Neonic Pesticides in New York!
The New York State Assembly recently passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which would ban the most dangerous and unnecessary uses of toxic neonic pesticides! Neonic pesticides decimate bee and pollinator populations, contaminate New York’s water resources, and threaten food security and human health.
There are only a handful of days left in New York State’s legislative session. We need the New York State Senate to follow the Assembly and pass this important legislation before it’s too late. Email your NYS Senator and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins today and urge the NYS Senate to pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act this session!
Background
Pollinators, such as honeybees, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, are essential components of our food web. Massive bee die-off events and colony collapse disorder are putting our ecosystem and food production at risk. This rise in bee deaths has been largely linked to the explosive growth in the use of neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides. Neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”) are pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. These pesticides are largely added as a seed coating to plants, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans and are 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 are also threatening New York’s waters. A 2018 U.S. Fish and Wildlife study found neonics in New York’s streams “in excess of toxicity and regulatory thresholds. Additionally, extensive testing of New York’s surface waters by the USGS in 2016, found the neonic imidacloprid in nearly 40% of samples. Neonics are persistent in our water and environment, posing a serious threat to health and pollinators.
Corn, soy, and wheat treated seeds account for an estimated 73% of all neonics used in New York, while lawn and garden (aka cosmetic) uses make up an additional 15%. A 2020 report by Cornell University found that neonic treated corn, soy, and wheat seeds provide "no overall net income benefits" to farmers yet pose significant risk to bees and other pollinators. Likewise, cosmetic uses posed some of the highest risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives. The Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.699C/A.7429A) would ban neonic treated seeds and the use of neonics on lawns, gardens, and ornamental plants.
Thank you! Together we can make a difference.
All of Us at CCE