Birds, Bees, and New Yorkers Rejoice
By Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Atlantic Chapter
As 2023 was drawing to a close, there were several key environmental bills that sat on Governor Hochul’s desk, awaiting her signature. But one was supported by environmentalists, health experts, farmers, scientists, and more: “The Birds and Bees Protection Act” (BBPA). With the clock ticking, the pressure was on for her to sign the BBPA, a bill that would prohibit the use of unneeded neonicotinoid (or “neonics”) coatings on corn, wheat, and soybean seeds, as well as in non-agricultural lawn and garden uses.
Long connected to mass losses of bees critical to New York’s agricultural economy and environment, neonics have emerged as the most ecologically destructive pesticides since DDT. In May 2023, the U.S. EPA made the unprecedented finding that neonics are driving 200+ species toward extinction, and the pesticides have been linked with mass losses of birds, the collapse of aquatic ecosystems, and birth defects in deer. The pesticides extensively pollute New York water supplies and New Yorkers’ bodies, with recent research documenting near-ubiquitous and steadily rising levels of neonics in NYS pregnant women.
The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, NRDC, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE), NOFA-NY, and many more, worked tirelessly to ensure Governor Hochul did not veto the bill, even as she was feeling pressure to do so by large chemical companies. With the help of a diverse and robust coalition of dedicated groups and individuals, we were able to lift up the science and concrete facts surrounding the importance of a bill like the BBPA. Governor Hochul signed the bill into law on December 22, 2023, with several Chapter Amendments agreed upon with the Legislature. This marks a huge victory in the fight to protect our pollinators, our waterways, our soil, and our communities. The new law will eliminate 80-90 percent of toxic neonic pesticides from entering New York’s environment.
The momentum that we have built by getting this bill done in 2023 is already being seen in states like Vermont, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Michigan where they are looking to take action on neonics and are pointing to the NY success in their fight. Interest in Illinois and Colorado is also brewing. The shock that our new law has sent to the larger seed and food market is already being felt as well.
So often we are reaching out to urge you to take action on an important issue affecting the people and environment in New York. This victory would not have been possible without all of the tireless advocacy and outreach from folks like you. And we want to say thank you to all of our members and supporters. Thank you for ensuring this nation-leading policy is now the law of the land in New York State!
You can read the Sierra Club's official statement, as well as the full press release from the determined coalition that worked so hard on this policy over the years.
If you have any questions about this new law or would like to discuss more the work around neonics, email caitlin.ferrante@sierraclub.org.