The Trump administration has reversed a 2014 U.S. Fish and Wildlife decision to ban the use of neonicotinoids in national wildlife refuges. The use of neonicotinoids threatens pollinators and pollutes delicate ecosystems endangering not only bees but wildlife and important insects that are food for birds and contribute to decomposition, making vast tracks of land uninhabitable.
Birds are particularly vulnerable to neonicotinoids, absorbing pesticide sprays and vapors through their respiratory systems and well as orally in food. In an effort to stop the use of the pesticide, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, a Democrat from New York City, introduced legislation – H.R. 2854 — that would prohibit the use of neonicotinoids in wildlife refuges and for other purposes.
In addition to this, two Democratic U.S. Representatives, Earl Blumenauer, of Oregon, and Jim McGovern, of Massachusetts, have introduced the Saving America’s Pollinator Act – H.R. 1337 – that cancels specific bee-toxic pesticides and requires pesticides that pose a risk to pollinators to undergo a higher level of review by a board of unbiased experts who do not have ties to the chemical industry. The bill also requires an annual review of the health of pollinators. In the face of a Trump Administration Environmental Protection Agency that is heavily influenced by chemical companies, SAPA will become an important tool to prevent ongoing chemical crimes against pollinators and the environment.
Call your Congressional representative — (202) 224-3121– and tell them to support H.R. 2854 and 1337. Find your lawmakers here.