Massachusetts’ pollinators need more support

During National Pollinator Week – Environment Massachusetts used the opportunity to call for more action to protect pollinators from dangerous pesticides and habitat loss. 

Environment Massachusetts gathered at the bee hive at the Rose Kennedy Greenway to release a  snapshot of state actions to protect pollinators, which outlines what states are doing to protect pollinators. 

In 2021, Massachusetts restricted the use of bee-killing pesticides called neonicotinoids (“neonics”), a list that has now grown to 12 states. However, it has yet to address agricultural seeds coated with neonics, which would mirror similar policies in Vermont and New York. Using coated seeds disperses pollinator-killing chemicals throughout growing plants and into the soil and groundwater. Massachusetts could also join  Minnesota and California to block neonic usage on state lands.

“Bees and butterflies play an outsized role in creating the natural wonders we enjoy across our state, from flowers to food,” said Johanna Neumann, Acting Director, Environment Massachusetts. “But we haven’t done our part here in Massachusetts to maintain the habitats that they need to thrive. As a result, pollinator populations are suffering. We need to take decisive action now.”