In Monday's St. Cloud Times, Kristi Marohn reported in Some gardeners steer clear of neonicotinoids:
. . . The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has added new language to neonicotinoid insecticides, with a bee icon that signals the pesticide has the potential to harm bees. Earlier this year, beekeepers, including one from Minnesota, sued the EPA, arguing the agency has not effectively regulated the use of neonicotinioids.
In the meantime, consumers can effect change by asking retailers not to use the products and boycotting those that do, Engels said.
"I think we can all make a difference," she said.
Tuesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 118 to 10 in favor of HF2798, a bill prohibiting plants treated with pollinator lethal insecticide from being labeled or advertised as beneficial to pollinators.
It doesn't the sale of plants treated with "pollinator lethal insecticides," merely prevents customers who wish to help bees and other pollinators from being misled. It's a truth-in-labeling consumer bill that will help Minnesotans help bees and other pollinators.
Bluestem had more earlier this month in HF2798, pollinator-friendly plant labeling bill, scheduled for House vote on Tuesday, April 29. It was a bill with bipartisan support.
Et in Arcadia ego
Sadly, ten legislators couldn't bring themselves to support this common sense measure. They are: Mark Anderson Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, Steve Drazkowski, Sondra Erickson, Tom Hackbarth, Jerry Hertaus, Brian Johnson, Jim Newberger, Joyce Peppin and Peggy Scott.
A friend recommends calling them Kurt Daudt and the Neonicotinoid Nine.
It's not just a feel-good measure. Pollinators are essential for a significant percentage of food from plants, ranging from apples to squash.
Meme: Bees mean life.
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