AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, presented LD 155, Resolve, Directing the Board of Pesticides Control To Prohibit the Use of Certain Neonicotinoids for Outdoor Residential Use, to the Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee on Thursday.
The resolve follows the lead of LD 2083, An Act To Require the Board of Pesticides Control To Annually Publish Certain Information Regarding Pesticides and To Prohibit Certain Uses of Neonicotinoids, introduced by Grohoski in the 129th Legislature, which, due to the COVID-19 crisis, died in the House upon conclusion of the Legislature.
Neonicotinoids are pesticides designed to kill flying insects. Bee behavior and health can be negatively affected by exposure to these pesticides on or in the plants they visit. Premature death and altered behavior of pollinator populations has the ability to negatively impact Maines agriculture community. In an effort to maintain the health of Maines native bee and pollinator populations, the resolve directs the Board of Pesticides Control to prohibit the use of any product containing dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid or thiamethoxam, the most toxic of the neonicotinoid pesticides, for use in outdoor residential landscapes. Products containing these neonicotinoids used for agricultural purposes, preserving wood, protecting structures, controlling or treating indoor pests and treating pets are not affected.
"The past year has been especially challenging for our agricultural producers," said Grohoski. "We can't control market disruptions from a global pandemic or historic droughts, but we can do more to protect the pollinators who play a critical role in our local food production. That's why I've reintroduced a bill to support our farmers by limiting cosmetic uses of chemicals which are known to have lethal and sublethal effects on bees."
Environment Maine, a statewide research and advocacy organization focused on preserving and protecting Maines air, water and natural landscapes, has been a driving force in building public support for the measure.
"We applaud Rep. Grohoskis dedication and hard work on this effort," said Anya Fetcher, state director of Environment Maine. "Loss of natural habitat, agricultural pesticides and a reduction of diverse food sources for pollinators in rural areas means bees are looking to city gardens and other green spaces as alternatives. This legislation would remove four of the most common and problematic neonics from cosmetic use in residential landscapes, thus making urban green spaces safer and more nutritious places for native pollinators and honey bees to thrive."
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) has been working to phase out the use of neonicotinoid pesticides since 2014 when the organization participated in a national study revealing that landscaping plants commonly used in pollinator gardens were pre-treated with neonics.
"MOFGA is grateful to Rep. Grohoski for her leadership in helping Maine reduce its reliance on chemicals that threaten our health, our wildlife and our agricultural viability," said Heather Spalding, MOFGAs deputy director. "This legislation is an important step toward reducing the adverse impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides on Maine's pollinators, and encouraging homeowners and landscape companies to opt for safer management practices in their gardens. There is no justification for poisoning pollinators just to make yards look pretty."
A work session will be held at a later date, at which time the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee will consider amendments and vote on a recommendation to the full Legislature.
Grohoski, who is serving her second term in the Maine House, represents the communities of Ellsworth and Trenton. She serves on the Legislatures Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology.
Contact:
Katie Walsh [Grohoski], c. 776-2122