Will Oregon become the 13th state to help save the bees?

States are stepping up to regulate harmful neonicotinoid pesticides. Learn how policies vary and their impact on pollinator protection.

Save the bees

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As part of our state’s broader effort to protect bees and other pollinators critical to life on earth, Oregon has taken a few steps over the years to restrict the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (also known as “neonics”). The city of Eugene was even the first in the nation to ban the use of neonic pesticides on city property in 2014, and Portland followed suit shortly after. Statewide, it has been ten years since the Oregon Department of Agriculture banned the use of four neonicotinoid products on Linden, Basswood and other Tilia trees, but with pollinators still facing dramatic declines, additional action is required. Along with our coalition partners including the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, we are working toward becoming the next state to take further action to save the bees, reaffirming Oregon’s legacy of environmental sustainability.

More than 80% of flowering plants and about one-third of the food we eat rely on pollinators to reproduce. Yet, pesticides like neonics are one of the leading drivers of pollinator declines, along with habitat loss and climate change. Neonics are the most widely used class of insecticides, and they are uniquely harmful to pollinators. These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment, which means pollinators can be exposed months to years after they are applied. They are also highly mobile, poisoning nearby plants and waterways. The ripple effects of losing pollinators and other essential species to these pesticides could threaten the balance of ecosystems here in Oregon, across the country and even globally.

Action in other states 

Efforts to regulate neonics are gaining momentum across the U.S. To date, 12 states have implemented policies restricting their outdoor use, limiting exposure to bees and other pollinators. Here are the key highlights:

  • Five states have banned outdoor, non-agricultural use: Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Vermont.
  • Seven states restrict outdoor, non-agricultural use to persons licensed or supervised by licensed pesticide applicators: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Washington state.
  • New York and Vermont are leading the way in restricting neonicotinoid-treated seeds in row crops. These policies close key gaps in regulating neonics in agriculture.
  • All states make exceptions for use indoors, in pet care products, and under emergency circumstances, such as treating invasive pests.
  • Neonicotinoid-treated seeds and nursery stock remain virtually unregulated in other states. Future legislation can help close these key gaps.

State policy details

Connecticut (2016, 2023)
  • Early bans on neonics applied to blooming plants and linden or basswood trees.
  • 2023 updates restrict possession, sale, and use to only licensed applicators.

Learn more details about the legislation: 2016, 2023

Maryland (2016, Updated 2021)
  • Restricts outdoor neonic use to certified applicators and farmers. Limits sales only by retailers with special permits.
  • 2021 updates prohibit retail sales to non-licensed customers.

Learn more details about the legislation: 2016, 2021

Vermont (2019, 2024)
  • Restricts sale of neonics labeled for outdoor use to only certified dealers; restricts usage to only certified applicators, with the exception of treated seeds.
  • 2024 update restricts neonic-treated seeds on row crops, unless a need is justified.

Learn more details about the legislation: 2019, 2024

Maine (2021)
  • Bans neonics for use on residential outdoor landscapes, including by licensed applicators.
  • Exemptions include indoor use, wood preservation and invasive insect control.

Learn more details about the 2021 legislation.

Massachusetts (2021)
  • Restricts sale of neonics labeled for outdoor use to only certified dealers; restricts usage to only certified applicators.
  • Requires an individual to obtain a license if using a restricted product in agriculture.

Learn more details about the 2021 legislation.

New York (2022, 2023)
  • Early regulatory changes limit sales and applications to licensed professionals, but major exemptions still allowed heavy outdoor use.
  • The 2023 “Birds and Bees Protection Act” bans most outdoor application as well as the sale and use of neonic-treated seeds.

Learn more details about the legislation: 2022, 2023

New Jersey (2022)
  • Bans sale and use of neonics on residential outdoor landscapes, including by licensed applicators.
  • Use is still allowed for agriculture and invasive pests, but requires a licensed applicator.

Learn more details about the 2022 legislation.

Rhode Island (2022)
  • Restricts sale and outdoor use of neonics to only certified applicators, with the exception of treated seeds.
  • Bans application to plants while in bloom and to linden or basswood trees.

Learn more details about the 2022 legislation.

California (2023)
  • Prohibits outdoor use on non-agricultural plants, except by certified applicators.
  • Mandates studies on neonic exposure to people and pollinators.

Learn more details about the 2023 legislation.

Colorado (2023)

Categorizes neonics as “limited use” pesticides, restricting sales to licensed dealers and use to licensed applicators.

Learn more details about the 2023 legislation.

Nevada (2023)
  • Bans the sale and use of neonics on non-agricultural plants, even by certified applicators.
  • Requires a certificate for commercial agricultural use.

Learn more details about the 2023 legislation.

Washington (2024)
  • Restricts sale and outdoor use of neonics to only certified applicators.
  • Use is still allowed for licensed applications, tree injection or urgent pest threats.

Learn more details about the 2024 legislation.

State-level restrictions on neonicotinoids are not just about regulation — they’re about survival. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are essential for healthy ecosystems, and the actions taken by states like Oregon and others represent a collective effort to secure a future where both humans and nature can thrive.

Help restrict the worst uses of neonic pesticides
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Save the bees

Help restrict the worst uses of neonic pesticides

If we don't put a stop to the overuse of toxic pesticides soon, bee populations will continue to collapse. Send a message to your legislators calling for heightened restrictions on toxic bee-killing pesticides today.

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Authors

Justin Boyles

Conservation Advocate, Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center

As the Conservation Advocate for Environment Oregon, Justin runs our campaign to protect and restore Oregon’s special places and the myriad wildlife that call them home. Justin has worked on campaigns to protect the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, clean up superfund sites along the Willamette River and promote solar energy in Oregon. In recent years, he was part of the Public Interest Network’s Creative and Editorial team where he developed campaign logos and materials connected to dozens of campaigns, turned deep-dive research into digestible interactive features for our websites, and created myriad tools for campaigns to help win real results for the environment and the public interest. Justin lives in Portland with his children where they regularly explore the diversity that Oregon’s environment has to offer: From the coast to the high desert and the many amazing rivers, lakes, forests and mountains in between.

Steve Blackledge

Senior Director, Conservation America Campaign, Environment America Research & Policy Center

Started on staff: 1991 B.A., Wartburg College Steve directs Environment America’s efforts to protect our public lands and waters and the species that depend on them. He led our successful campaign to win full and permanent funding for our nation’s best conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund. He previously oversaw U.S. PIRG’s public health campaigns. Steve lives in Sacramento, California, with his family, where he enjoys biking and exploring Northern California.

Jacqueline Meyer

Pesticide Program Specialist, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

Jacqueline works with Xerces partners and community leaders to reduce pesticide use in towns, cities, and campuses through strategic outreach and policy action. Throughout her career, Jacqueline has worked within local governments to enhance their integrated pest and pollinator management, promote biological control, and reduce reliance on pesticides. Her greatest passion is working directly with community members and decision makers to protect the invertebrate life that sustains us.