Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Protecting Bees: Federal Bill Suspending Neonicotinoid Use Forthcoming

Federal Bill Suspending Neonicotinoid Use Forthcoming (reprinted from ePestWorld 7/16/13 newsletter of NPMA, the National Pest Management Association, and my former employer).

An Oregon Congressman last week announced plans to introduce federal legislation suspending certain uses of neonicotinoid pesticides until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reviews these chemicals and makes a new determination about their proper application and safe use. The measure specifically suspends the use of neonicotinoids for foliar treatments on bee attractive plants, soil applications and seed treatments within 180 days.
Congressman Earl Blumenaer's Save America's Pollinators Act was precipitated by a massive bee kill last month in suburban Portland that state investigators determined was caused by an application of a neonicotinoid pesticide application. Refer to:
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/07/legislation_to_restrict_pestic.html  
to read the Oregonian's story about the legislation and refer to:
http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2233:blumenauer-announces-legislation-to-protect-pollinators-prevent-mass-bee-die-offs&catid=66:2013-press-releases
to read Congressman Blumenaer's press release announcing the Congressman's intention to drop the bill.

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