Some good news for bees: EPA bans 12 bee-killing pesticides

On May 20, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) canceled the registration of a dozen neonicotinoid-based pesticides known to harm bees—effectively banning them.

On May 20, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) canceled the registration of a dozen neonicotinoid-based pesticides known to harm bees—effectively banning them.

The cancellation came as part of a settlement agreement the EPA reached in December in a lawsuit brought by the Center for Food Safety. While many forms of neonic pesticides will remain on the market, the settlement also requires the EPA to examine the effects of all neonics on endangered species.

“The lawsuit and the EPA’s decision recognize the linkage between neonic pesticides and bee die-offs,” said Steve Blackledge, senior director of our national network’s Conservation program. “Pulling 12 of these pesticides off the shelves should create a buzz about what still needs to be done.
Connecticut and Maryland have already restricted these pesticides, and we need other states to prohibit the most common and problematic uses of all neonics.”

To that end, our No Bees, No Food campaign is calling on the public to urge our state lawmakers to restrict bee-killing pesticides.

Read more.

Photo: The Environmental Protection Agency cancelled the registrations of 12 bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides. Credit: Tyler Olson/Shutterstock

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