Save the Bees

Bees are dying at alarming rates

Bees are in crisis. Nearly 40% of honeybees were lost last year—more than double the rate they can sustainably recover from. Beyond honeybees, one in four wild bee species is at risk of extinction. According to the Oregon Bee Project, the Western bumblebee and Franklin’s bumblebee are two species that were once common but are now rarely seen. The Franklin’s bumblebee hasn’t been seen since 2006 and is presumed extinct. These pollinators, which include over 500 species in Oregon, are vital to 90% of wild flowering plants.

Without bees, ecosystems would unravel. Pollinator-dependent plants would decline, jeopardizing entire food webs. Beyond ecosystems, bees impact us directly—our coffee, avocados, berries, almonds, and countless other crops depend on their pollination. Yet millions of bees continue to die each year due to pesticides, habitat loss, climate change, and disease.

Among these threats, pesticides stand out as an immediate and fixable problem. Neonics, a class of insecticides known for their harmful impacts on pollinators, are particularly deadly. These chemicals disrupt bees’ nervous systems, impair their ability to forage, and ultimately lead to colony collapse.

Restrict bee-killing pesticides

We’re taking action to protect these crucial pollinators. During the 2025 legislative session, we’ll urge Oregon lawmakers to restrict the everyday consumer sale and use of neonics by adding them to the state’s “restricted use” pesticide list.

This move would ensure that only licensed pesticide applicators can use neonics, reducing their prevalence in backyards, gardens, and other areas where bees forage. It’s a practical, proven step that has worked in 12 other states, including Maine, New Jersey, California and most recently Washington State.

Eugene was the first city in the nation to ban neonics, and Oregon has already taken strides to protect pollinators, including limiting neonics on flowering Linden trees and creating programs like the Oregon Bee Project. Now is the time to build on that momentum and take bold action to save the bees.

We need bees

The loss of bees isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s an existential one. Imagine an Oregon without vibrant wildflowers, struggling farms, and diminished ecosystems. Bees are a cornerstone species, meaning their health impacts the entire web of life.

By taking action, Oregon can re-establish itself as a leader in environmental stewardship and inspire other states to follow suit. Together, we can make the West Coast a haven for pollinators.

What you can do

The time to act is now. Bees are dying at an unsustainable rate, but your voice can make a difference. Here’s how you can help:

• Send an email to your legislators: Tell your legislator to support bee-saving pesticide restrictions.
• Spread the word: Share this campaign with your friends and family.
• Join the movement: Become a member of Environment Oregon and support our fight for pollinators.

Together, we can save the bees

Protecting pollinators isn’t just about saving bees; it’s about safeguarding Oregon’s ecosystems, agriculture and environmental legacy. Join us in fighting for a future where bees thrive and our natural world flourishes.

Let’s work together to make Oregon a leader in pollinator protection.