ALBANY, New York, January 30, 2024 (ENS) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law first-in-the-nation legislation to protect birds and bees from toxic neonicotinoid pesticides used on outdoor ornamental plants and turfs, and the seeds of corn, soybeans and wheat. This law is the first in the United States to limit neonicotinoid coating on seeds.
To help safeguard pollinators, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed the “Birds and Bees Protection Act.”
Signed into law last week, the legislation prohibits the use of specific neonicotinoid pesticide-treated corn, soybean and wheat seeds and neonicotinoid pesticides for outdoor ornamental plants and turfs. The ban goes into effect in 2027, according to published reports.
ALBANY, NY — A coalition of farmers, health professionals, and environmental groups are celebrating today after Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Birds and Bees Protection Act (S1856-A/A7640). The bill will limit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics), and, when fully implemented, would eliminate up to 80-90% of the neonics entering New York’s environment annually by prohibiting only unneeded neonic coatings on corn, soybean, and wheat seeds and non-agricultural lawn and garden uses.
ALBANY, NY — With 10 days left to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act (S1856-A / A7640), New Yorkers have called for action from Governor Kathy Hochul. Today, doctors, farmers, and advocates expressed concern that if Governor Hochul doesn’t sign the bill, an immense opportunity would be missed to protect people and the environment from neonic pesticide exposure. The Birds and Bees Protection Act would eliminate 80-90% of neonics from entering New York’s environment annually by prohibiting the use of neonic-coated corn and soybean seeds, as well as limiting unnecessary neonic lawn and garden uses.
The Birds and Bees Protection Act — the first bill in the United States that aims to prohibit the agricultural use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which decimate pollinator populations — has been awaiting signage by Gov. Kathy Hochul since its approval by the New York State Legislature in June. But after months of limbo and mere weeks remaining until the end of the year, environmental advocacy groups are pushing harder than ever to get the bill signed into law — keeping New York state at the forefront of national environmental legislation.
“We have worked on this bill for five years,” Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE), said.
LONG ISLAND -- Corn, wheat, and soybean seeds, pre-treated with pesticides, may be a thing of the past in New York state.
Environmental groups told CBS New York on Tuesday they are putting pressure on the governor to sign legislation targeting the protection of birds and bees.
Farmingdale, NY—Today, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) received an opened and resealed package of public comments supporting the Birds and Bees Protection Act, sent to Governor Hochul via NYS Ag and Markets, with “return to sender” written on it. CCE, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization has been working to ensure the Governor hears from the public on critical environmental issues. Over a thousand postcards from the public have been sent to the Governor in support of this critical bill in recent weeks. With just a few weeks left for the Governor to sign this nation-leading environmental legislation, it’s critically important that the Governor hear from the public and that her staff values public input. However, the return of over 80 postcards indicates that the voice of the public is being dismissed and ignored.
Over the last several months, CCE has sent several packages containing signed postcards from members of the public to the Governor, via NYS Ag and Markets, requesting she sign the bill. They are being sent to Kevin King, Deputy Commissioner at NYS Ag and Markets. State agencies, including NYS Ag and Markets, provide important input to the Governor on bills being considered to be signed into law. This is the first-time public comments have been returned.
In response Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said:
“In over 30 years of advocating on behalf of the public and sending New York Governors public correspondence, this has never happened. It’s highly disturbing and sends a message that public comments are not valued. CCE has collected and mailed approximately a thousand postcards from the public to the Governor, sent via NYS Ag and Markets, in support of the Birds and Bees Protection Act. To have them opened and sent back is insulting and demeaning to the public. Although his name is Kevin King, he should be reminded that there are no kings in our democracy, only public servants. We have been talking to the public about this bill and we hear how much they care about saving bees and protecting our pollinators. CCE works to ensure the public voice is being heard, and we need the Governor to listen and have access to her mail.”
The Birds and Bees Protection Act is science-based legislation that strategically eliminates unnecessary uses of neonics. Corn, soy, and wheat treated seeds account for an estimated 73% of all neonics used in New York. Lawn, garden, ornamental, and turf (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" or yield benefits to farmers yet pose significant risk to bees and other pollinators. Likewise, cosmetic uses pose a high risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives. The Birds and Bees Protection Act will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, food security, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators with this toxic pesticide.
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For immediate release: November 14, 2023
Contact: Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director: 631-384-1378 (mobile), aesposito@citizenscampaign.org
Farmingdale, NY—Ahead of Thanksgiving, advocates came together to fight for the protection of one of earth’s most important species, bees, and call on Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act. This law would ban the use of neonicotinoid (neonic) treated seeds for corn, soybean, and wheat seeds, as well as ornamental uses such as on lawns, gardens, and golf courses. The harmful overuse of neonics has devastated pollinator populations in New York. Honeybee keepers are losing over 45% of their colonies annually. These pollinator losses are attributed to the use of neonics, mainly from coated 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.
Many of the staples at the Thanksgiving table are pollinator dependent crops, such as pumpkins, squash, and apples. Unfortunately, the unnecessary use of neonics has decimated pollinator populations and as a result we are starting to see smaller yields of these crops. To avoid future Thanksgiving dinners without pumpkin pie, Governor Hochul must sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act.
View a recording of the press conference here.
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment said, “Governor Hochul, give us something to really be thankful for this Thanksgiving, sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act! This bill is the most environmentally important bill awaiting the Governor’s signature and the entire country is watching to see if New York acts as a leader. Our bees and pollinators are essential to produce so many of the foods we love at Thanksgiving. We can start thanking them by not continuing to poison them with toxic neonics. The bill needs to be signed without weakening amendments. We won’t settle for just a piece of the pie, Governor Hochul needs to go for it all and ban neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat, seeds as well as ornamental uses. If the Governor can’t save the bees, we are going to rely on the Legislature to override her and save the bees themselves.”
Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation & Development Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter said, “Science has shown that neonicotinoids are one of the main causes of an alarming crash in pollinator populations nationwide,” said Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “The Birds and Bees Protection Act is an historic, nation-leading bill that will end the unnecessary use of these toxic pesticides and has been crafted to reflect the concerns raised by ag communities. The Sierra Club strongly urges the Governor to sign this important bill into law, to address the unnecessary use of neonics in treated corn, wheat, and soy seeds, and also in turf and ornamental environments. S1856-A/A7640 reflects key findings of NY’s own Cornell University. The Birds and Bees Protection Act is gearing up to be a defining moment for Governor Hochul’s environmental legacy and we urge her to sign it into law today.”
“Neonics are the most ecologically destructive pesticides since DDT, and extensive, state-commissioned research shows their largest and most widespread use—toxic seed coatings on corn and soybean seeds—provides $0 in benefits to New York farmers,” said Dan Raichel, Acting Director, Pollinator Initiative, Natural Resources Defense Council. “Add that to the bee losses diminishing fruit and vegetable production, extensive neonic water contamination, and the growing threats to New Yorkers’ health, and there is no good argument left for inaction. The Birds and Bees Protection Act gives the Governor a commonsense way to follow through on her stated commitment to pollinators and be the environmental leader New York State needs.”
Joy Flynn, Conservation Chair of Garden Clubs of America said “For the past two years, garden clubs in New York State have been advocating for the elimination of neonicotinoids on edible seeds and their use in home gardening products. The NYS legislature has passed the bill and we're counting on Governor Hochul to do the right thing and sign it into law."
Moira Alexander-Master Beekeeper said “Honeybees are an integral part of New York State's agriculture and economy. The income produced by the beekeeping industry for pollination services generates about $300 million with an additional $11 million dollars for the sale of honey. Honeybees are a vital part of our ecosystem and are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for survival. It is in our best interest to protect them from harmful pesticides by signing this bill into law.”
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Rachel Carson, a pioneer of the modern environmental movement, fought against pesticides and their damaging impact for much of her career. Her landmark 1962 book, “Silent Spring,” relied in part on evidence from two organic farmers on Long Island, who fought against the aerial spraying of the toxic pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, or DDT, on crops.
View a recording of the press conference here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Contact: Rita Yelda, Natural Resources Defense Council, 732-979-0655, ryelda@nrdc.org
Adrienne Esposito, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, 631-384-1378, aesposito@citizenscampaign.org
Albany, NY (August 15, 2023) — With summer drawing to a close and World Honey Bee Day approaching (August 19th), legislators, advocates, and farmers from across the state called on Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.1856-A Hoylman-Sigal/A.7640 Glick). They urged the Governor to demonstrate her commitment to New York’s bees and other pollinators, diverse ecosystems, agricultural future, and people by signing this bill during this year’s Climate Week in September. The bill passed both the NYS Senate and Assembly in the 2023 Legislative Session, and would be the first in the nation to address neonic seed coatings–the largest and most widespread neonic use in New York and nationwide.
Long connected to mass losses of bees and other pollinators critical to New York’s agricultural economy and environment, neonics now are emerging as likely the most ecologically destructive pesticides since DDT. In May, U.S. EPA made the unprecedented finding that neonic use is likely driving 200+ species toward extinction. The pesticides have also been linked with mass losses of birds, the collapse of aquatic ecosystems, and birth defects in deer. Widespread contaminants in New York’s water resources–and the most frequently detected insecticides in the Long Island aquifer–neonics frequently pollute New Yorker’s bodies too. Near-ubiquitous and steadily rising levels of neonics in NYS pregnant women has NYS health experts raising alarms, especially regarding children’s neurological health.
While bee losses already impact farmers economically, neonic pollution also inflicts broader harms on New York’s farms and the state’s goals for climate-smart agriculture. Neonics have made U.S. agriculture 10x to 50x more harmful to insects since their introduction, injuring species critical to soil health and carbon storage—such as beneficial nematodes, earthworms, and soil decomposers. Neonics can also more directly harm soil health by impairing beneficial bacteria crucial for plant growth and health and soil fertility and quality. Other research shows neonics travel through food webs, and can eliminate pest predators and decrease crop yields.
The Birds and Bees Protection Act would prohibit 80-90% of the neonics entering New York’s environment annually by eliminating only those uses that provide no economic benefits to users or are easily replaced by safer alternatives according to the findings of an extensive 2020 Cornell University report. It targets only neonic coatings (“treatments”) on corn, soybean, and wheat seeds and uses on lawns and gardens—without prohibiting any other agricultural uses (even other corn, soybean, or wheat uses) or treatment for invasive species. This science-based and surgical approach would address the heart of New York’s neonic pollution problem, conserving biodiversity and the state’s regenerative agricultural goals as climate stresses increase, while protecting clean water and the health of New Yorkers.
Sponsor Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “On International Honeybee Day, we recognize that we can no longer take for granted the pollinators responsible for one-third of the food we eat. Every year for the past decade, New York beekeepers have lost more than 40% of their bee colonies – largely due to neonicotinoid pesticides. New York can help reverse this trend with our Birds and the Bees Protection Act to restrict the use of this toxic class of pesticides that threatens the future of our agricultural industry. I join the Sierra Club, NRDC, NYLCV, Clean & Healthy York, Assemblymember Glick and Senator Harckam, farmers and beekeepers and strongly urge Governor Hochul to sign this nation-leading bill to help protect our environment for future generations of New Yorkers."
Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, said, “Pollinators are vital members of healthy ecosystems and our food supply chain. Protecting them by limiting toxins that pose adverse effects and health risks is an important step forward in our work to stop poisoning the environment and create a healthier New York. I urge Governor Hochul to join with the Assembly and Senate in protecting New York’s pollinators and prioritizing the environment by signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act into law.”
Senator Pete Harckham, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, said “It’s critical that Governor Hochul sign the Birds and Bees legislation to protect the health of humans and other living species on our planet. The use of neonicotinoid insecticides, which damage the central nervous systems of insects, including pollinators like honeybees, must be regulated and reduced or we risk further disruptions to our ecosystems and adverse human health outcomes as well.”
"As an organic farmer and a mother, I'm urging Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and the Bees Protection Act TODAY!” said Corinne Hansch, Lovin’ Mama Farm, Amsterdam, NY. “The signing of this bill will leave a beautiful environmental legacy for future generations of clean water, clean soil, and an intact biological community of pollinators that we all rely on for the production of fruits and vegetables. Signing the Birds and the Bees Protection Act ensures the health of future generations and a world with bees, butterflies, songbirds, apples, blueberries, pumpkins, and many other species necessary for life on earth."
“The Birds and Bees Protection Act points farmers toward healthier ways to grow healthier food,” said Dr. Kathy Nolan, a pediatrician and President of the New York Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility. “No one should be allowed to add nicotine-like substances to our food and water,” Dr. Nolan emphasized, “yet this is what farmers have inadvertently been doing when using seeds painted with neonicotinoid chemicals. I call on Governor Hochul and farmers across New York to protect pregnant women and developing children by embracing the BBPA and ending the practice of using seeds that introduce nicotine-like chemicals into our food and drinking water.”
“The Birds and the Bees Protection Act would be the first in the country to limit neonic seed coatings, and it’s essential for Governor Hochul to lead nationally by signing the bill,” said Dan Raichel, Acting Director of NRDC’s (Natural Resource Defense Council) Pollinator Initiative. “We’ve long known neonics kill bees, but we now see links between neonics and mass losses of birds, the collapse of fisheries, developmental risks in people, and vast water contamination in New York. All of the harmful neonic uses targeted by the bill are easily replaced with safer alternatives — most often nothing — which makes this a common-sense bill for New York.”
“In order to save the planet we need to save the bees. Governor Hochul has an un-BEE-lievable opportunity to be a national leader in addressing unnecessary and harmful uses of toxic neonic pesticides,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE). “Neonics kill pollinators, poison our waters and are harming our health. This critical bill will have an immense impact in protecting our pollinators, restoring food security, protecting human health and water quality from these toxic pesticides. CCE urges Governor Hochul to sign this landmark legislation and protect our pollinators.”
“The protection of our pollinators from toxic pesticides is of utmost importance at a time when they are profoundly threatened by other environmental factors due to climate change. Neonicotinoids serve no value to the corn, soybean and wheat crops they are used on. Instead, contribute to ongoing mass population loss in birds and bees, compromise human health, and contaminate the environment,” said Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director of Clean+Healthy. “We thank Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Deborah Glick for sponsoring the Birds and Bees Protection Act to protect us all - and we urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law.”
Katie Baildon, Policy Coordinator, Northeast Organic Farming Association, New York said, “Unnecessary uses of neonics are harming NY food production. Wasteful neonic use threatens pollinators that provide an estimated $389 million in pollination services, eliminates beneficial insects that farmers rely on, and harms soil health. The NOFA-NY community appreciates the NYS Legislature’s leadership in passing S.1856-A/A.7640 and urges Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act to protect our food, NY’s ecosystems and our health.”
“The science continues to show just how damaging neonics are for pollinator populations, but more and more data is emerging to highlight the toxic implications these pesticides are having on New York’s water and soil health, and the growing concern to public health,” said Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “New York can be a leader in science-based neonic regulation by eliminating unjustified high-cost, low-benefit neonic uses. This reasonable approach would not prevent invasive species treatment nor agricultural uses beyond treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds, and it would benefit pollinators, our state’s farmers who depend on them, New York’s ecosystems, and all New Yorkers who value clean soil, clean water, and their own health. We are grateful for the leadership of the NYS Legislature in passing S.1856-A/A.7640 and the leadership of the bill sponsors, Senator Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Glick. We call on Governor Hochul to listen to the science and sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act into law today.”
“By eliminating unnecessary and harmful chemicals in our treatment of pests, we will help protect New York's environment, food security, and agricultural economy,” said Andrew Williams, Deputy Director of State Policy for the New York League of Conservation Voters. “It's time for New York to finally take action to ensure the survival of our essential pollinators and the health of our communities, and that is why NYLCV stands with our partners in urging Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act.”
Peter Nelson, New York beekeeper, and director of the documentary film, the Pollinators said “The passage of the Birds and Bees Protection Act is a major accomplishment and a win for all beekeepers in New York state as well as the general public. Regulating the use of neonicotinoid insecticides is a huge step towards creating a less toxic environment for managed honey bees, as well as hundreds of species of native bees, other beneficial insects and birds.”
“Yes, neonics are highly effective at killing pests, but they are equally as effective at harming birds, bees, and other pollinators essential to New York’s food security, environment, and agricultural economy,” said Dillon Klepetar, Farmer/Owner of Echo Farm in Essex, NY and Advocate from the Essex Farm Institute. “Farmers are some of the most innovative problem solvers. With several years to phase out this class of chemicals and the exemptions written in the bill, we need not trade profitability for future crop pollination.”
“Pollinators are essential to New York State’s food security, agricultural economy, and environment,” said Kevin Chlad, Director of Government Relations for the Adirondack Council. “We applaud Senator Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Glick for passing the Birds and Bees Protection Act this year and urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law immediately, for our wildlife, for public health, and for our future.”
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Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham completed his first legislative session as chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (EnCon) recently with 89 bills passed out of committee, 44 of which passed in the Senate and 30 in both houses that now await the governor’s signature. Harckham, as committee chair, also led the budget table during the negotiations for the FY2024 Budget and ensured critical funding for a number of initiatives.
This week, the State Assembly returns for what is expected to be two more days of legislative action before they wrap up their side of the 2023 Session. The State Senate already completed their work, overwhelmingly passing a number of NYLCV-priority bills that have not yet been voted on by the Assembly, leaving the lower house with a huge opportunity on measures such as a Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Law, and a Just Energy Transition, among others.
It turns out that using powerful neurotoxins to kill insects is (surprise) impacting other animals, and even people.
At issue are neonicotinoids, which The Hill reports came into use in the 1990s. While these poisons are good at killing bugs, experts are worried that neonicotinoids could be akin to DDT, which was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1972 for its impact on the environment and people, in part, for cancer risks.
For immediate release: June 9, 2023
Albany, NY – The NYS Senate and Assembly resoundingly passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act. This law bans 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 Senate and 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, food security, water quality, health, and environment. CCE applauds Senator Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblywoman Glick for sponsoring and championing this bill”.
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.1856A/A.7640) would ban these low benefit/high risk uses of neonics in New York. 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. Now, we look forward to working with the Governor to sign this landmark legislation and eliminate these unnecessary and dangerous uses of neonic pesticides.
Albany, NY — The New York State Legislature has passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act (A.7640/S.1856A), a first-in-the-nation bill that would rein in the use of neurotoxic neonicotinoid pesticides (“neonics”), which now heads to Governor Hochul’s desk for her signature. The Birds and Bees Protection Act bans the neonic uses that in-depth Cornell University shows provide no economic benefits to users or are replaceable with safer, effective alternatives — specifically neonic coatings on corn, soybean, and wheat seeds and lawn and garden uses (with an exception for invasive species treatments). This eliminates 80%–90% of the neonics entering New York’s environment yearly.
For immediate release: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
For more information, contact:
Brian Smith, CCE Associate Executive Director, 716-831-3206, bsmith@citizenscampaign.org
Maureen Murphy, CCE Executive Programs Manager, 516-390-7150, mmurphy@citizenscampaign.org
Albany, NY—Last night the New York State Legislature wrapped up voting on the final SFY 2023-24 budget, which included funding for a host of important environmental programs. In response, Brian Smith, Associate Executive Director at Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE), said:
“The final budget continues to fund programs that are critical to protect clean water, safeguard public health, fight climate change, and support environmental justice. Staffing for environmental agencies increased, with 265 positions added across multiple agencies that are needed for implementation of the state’s recently adopted environmental bond act. We commend the Governor, Senate and Assembly for continuing New York’s strong national leadership in protecting our environment.
The Clean Water Infrastructure Act was again funded at $500 million, bringing the total investment up to $5 billion since 2017. This nation-leading program is helping to protect drinking water from emerging contaminants, reduce harmful sewage overflows, create jobs, and so much more. The NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) was again funded at $400 million, matching the program’s all-time high. Within the EPF, we are thrilled that the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) program funding doubled from last year, up to $2 million. This additional funding for the SSER will help accomplish new priorities and goals aimed at protecting and restoring this critical natural resource.
CCE thanks the Governor and legislature for setting the stage to create a unified wastewater district in Suffolk County. This will allow the public to vote for clean water this November. This initiative is a vital step forward to restore water quality in our local rivers, bays, and harbors.
We now look forward to working with the legislature and Governor to tackle the state’s environmental needs that were not addressed in the budget before the end of session, including passage of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, Birds and Bees Protection Act, and a host of bills needed to protect clean water and public health from dangerous PFAS chemicals.”
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