AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, that would prohibit the use of certain neonicotinoid pesticides for outdoor residential use.
LD 155 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. The measure only impacts residential use of the pesticide, and does not impact those in the agricultural and forestry industries.
"Neonicotinoids have been proven to negatively impact the health of pollinators, thus jeopardizing the viability of so many of our favorite foods and flowers," said Grohoski. "I am proud of the Maine House for voting to advance LD 155 to limit unnecessary uses of these chemicals. The passage of this legislation would be a critical step forward to protect our environment and hard-working pollinators."
Environment Maine, an organization focused on preserving and protecting Maine's air, water and natural landscapes, has worked closely with Grohoski to increase public awareness of the issue.
"Given that a significant body of evidence now links neonic use to massive bee population losses, there is no justification for the use of these pesticides for cosmetic purposes in our residential areas; a prettier lawn or rose garden doesn't cut it," said Anya Fetcher, state director of Environment Maine. "Thousands of Mainers farmers, scientists, gardeners and conservationists have voiced their support for a ban on bee-killing pesticides, and today's bipartisan House vote reflects that. We applaud Rep. Grohoski's work to protect Maine's bees and other pollinators by introducing this legislation."
The measure faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Grohoski, a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents the communities of Ellsworth and Trenton.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Grohoski], c. 812-1111