Victory: New law protecting pollinators goes into effect

We are thrilled to announce that a Colorado law aimed at protecting pollinators goes into effect Monday. That means neonics will be removed from retail store shelves across the state. This legislation represents a key step in protecting pollinators and other insects critical to our ecosystem.

Neonics are a class of insecticides known to be extremely harmful to bees and other pollinators. These chemicals are up to 1,000 times more toxic to bees than DDT, leading to severe health issues such as immune deficiencies and disorientation. 

The  western bumble bee, for example, has seen a 72% decline in the western United States over the past decade, partly due to the use of neonics. 

We have been campaigning to reduce neonics in Colorado for years. Our canvass staff have knocked on tens of thousands of doors, building broad public support,  we’ve recruited people to take action at farmers markets and community gardens and recruited 141 businesses to support our campaign. 

We’ve also shined a spotlight on this issue through our Trick or Seed events and our Bee-friendlier webinar with Colorado’s First Gentleman and bee expert Stephen Buchmann. 

In 2023, our work paid off when the legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a bill to limit neonics. 

Key Details of the New Law

• Effective Date: July 1, 2024
• Restriction: Neonicotinoids are removed from retail store shelves and can only be sold by licensed pesticide dealers.
• Impact: Reduces the likelihood of backyard gardeners and homeowners using these dangerous chemicals, protecting bees and other pollinators.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to continuing our efforts to protect pollinators and the environment. This new law is a testament to the power of organizing, advocacy and making informed, sustainable decisions for our future.