Logo for Environment Maine, of Which Anya Fetcher, is the Executive Director.

Governor Janet Mills signed the nation’s strongest restriction on bee-killing neonics into law on Thursday, June 10.  LD 155, sponsored by Rep. Nicole Grohoski, Ellsworth, prohibits the use of the most harmful neonic pesticides in residential landscapes.  The bill won bipartisan support in the Maine State Legislature, which passed it on June 7th.

Neonics are insecticides that affect the central nervous system and are highly toxic to invertebrates, including bees and butterflies.  These systemic chemicals, when absorbed into a plant, contaminate nectar and pollen and remain in soil and ground water by after they’re applied.   A significant body of scientific evidence links neonic use to massive bee population losses, threatening not only honeybee colonies, but also Maine’s 270 species of native bees, according to a press release issued earlier this week by Environment Maine.

“There is no justification for using these pesticides for cosmetic purposes in our residential areas; a prettier lawn or a rose garden isn’t worth the damage,” said Anya Fletcher, Environment Maine State Director.  “we want to ensure that today, tomorrow and the next day, Maine’s meadows and gardens continue to buzz with the sound of bees.  This bill boosts the odds of that and we’re grateful.”

Several other states have passed legislation restricting the use of neonics by residents and remaining products containing the specified chemicals from store shelves.  However, Main’s bill goes even further by including licensed applications as landscape, gardener and pest control businesses on the ban.

In Maine and around the country, the declining health of pollinators such as honeybees and wild bees is cause for great concern and can hint at broader environmental challenges that can affect all life in the area.  Almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of all food crops need animal pollinators to some extent to thrive, and of all pollinators, bees are nature’s best.  “I am thankful to my colleagues in the Legislation for supporting this measure,” said Rep. Grohoski.  “Maine should be proud that, yet again, we are leaders in protecting and preserving our environment, including our pollinator populations.”

For more background information, please see post herein dated April 28, 2021 on the subject.