For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Anjuli.Ramos@sierraclub.org
Today the state legislature passed bill S1016(Smith)/ A2070(Calabrese): Restricts use of neonicotinoid pesticides. The bill passed with a vote of 30-6 in the Senate and 54-22-2 in the Assembly. It will now go to the Governor’s desk to sign. Anjuli Ramos-Busot released the following statement:
“This bill is a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting our bees, our ecosystem, and our food supply. We are entering into an environmental crisis due to the loss of bees, and pesticides are one of the main contributing factors. Research overwhelmingly shows that toxic neonicotinoid pesticides (aka “neonics”) kill and harm bees, butterflies, and birds - posing a serious threat to our food, public health, and wildlife.
“These pesticides are not only harmful to human health, but are destroying our bee population who are critical to our ecosystem and food supply. Honeybees and other pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Bees pollinate 71 of the 100 crops that make up 90 percent of the world’s food supply. Many fruits and vegetables, including apples, blueberries, strawberries, carrots and broccoli, as well as almonds and coffee, rely on bees. Without bees, many crops would cease to exist and will make human existence much harder.
“Classifying neonicotinoids pesticides as restrictive use pesticides is a necessary action for the protection of our bees and our food supply for generations to come. We urge Governor Murphy to sign this bill. “