Connecticut Passes Historic Pesticide Legislation
Connecticut becomes the latest state to restrict neonicotinoid insecticides linked to wildlife declines, bee losses and public health impacts.HARTFORD, CT – This week, the Connecticut legislature passed Senate Bill 9, a bill that restricts the use of neonicotinoids, in a win for pollinators and public health. The restrictions were packaged in a bill championing climate justice, climate resilience, and restricting the use of rodenticides.
“Connecticut has joined other leading states in protecting people, pollinators and the planet by banning one of the largest uses of toxic neonic pesticides,” said Jason Davidson, Senior Food and Agriculture Campaigner at Friends of the Earth U.S. “We urge Governor Lamont to sign the bill and prevent the further contamination of Connecticut’s communities and the environment.”
“Year after year, we have tried to get something done to address the dangers of neonicotinoids to our birds, bees, aquatic life and humans,” said Representative John-Michael Parker (D-101). “After months of open and transparent discussion with all stakeholders, neonics will no longer be allowed on more than a half million acres of lawn, turf and grass. This is a giant step forward. I and my Senate co-chair, vice chairs and ranking members of the environment committee are proud to have worked with all of the amazing advocates to finally move the ball forward on this important issue.”
“Passing SB9 is a good step forward for Connecticut,” said Louise Washer, Pesticide Committee Coordinator for the Pollinator Pathway. “There is more work to do, but ending the use of neonics on more than a half million of Connecticut’s acres of grass should help protect our birds and pollinators and reduce the harmful levels of this pesticide we see in our rivers.”
“We appreciate the bipartisan effort – and ultimate compromise – on this important legislation,” said Robert LaFrance, Director of Policy for CT, National Audubon Society. “We hope the Governor will sign Senate Bill No. 9 into law and set in motion additional protections for people and birds regarding pesticide safeguards and resilience planning.”
“This is a win for the small but vital species across Connecticut, from the pollinators in our yards to the mayflies in our rivers,” said Emily May, Agricultural Conservation Lead, Pesticide Program, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Communications contact: Shaye Skiff, [email protected]