For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Anjuli.Ramos@sierraclub.org
Governor Murphy signed S1016(Smith)/ A2070(Calabrese) into law. The law restricts use of neonicotinoid pesticides. This law makes it the second state to prohibit neonic use in gardens (and other residential areas) and the first to prohibit them on commercial landscapes like golf courses. Anjuli Ramos-Busot released the following statement:
“In a huge step in the protection of our bees, our ecosystem, and food supply, Governor Murphy has signed S1016(Smith)/ A2070 into law. 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. This law will restrict the use of harmful pesticides that are harmful to human health and the environment.
“The new law will have a positive impact on our overall 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 a restricted use pesticides is a necessary action for the protection of our bees and our food supply for generations to come. We thank Senator Smith, Assemblyman Calabrese and Governor Murphy for their efforts in getting this important piece of legislation passed and signed into law.”