H.4041, An Act protecting Massachusetts pollinators - your support needed!
Barbara Volkle
H.4041, an Act protecting Massachusetts pollinators, is before
the state legislature this year.
I've attached two fact sheets. you can also find details here
http://www.carolyndykema.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/H.4041-Pollinator-Health-Fact-Sheet.pdf
. This bill restricts sale and use of neonicotinoid
pesticides to licensed applicators. These pesticides impact
bees, butterflies and pollinators, are taken up by plants, and
become part of the food chain.
From Rep. Dykema's fact sheet, "There are many hypotheses in the scientific community as to why the decline in pollinator health has been so rapid and severe. A combination of factors, including decreased biodiversity, limited availability of forage, and climate change, have been cited as contributing to colony loss. Many scientists and beekeepers have identified the introduction of neonicotinoid pesticides as a primary reason for pollinator health decline."
H.4041 is sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Dykema and is currently in
the House Ways and Means Committee awaiting a vote. The bill has
widespread support and the hope is that it will pass by July.
It's a critical first step in the right direction - limiting the
widespread use of these detrimental pesticides.
Your calls to your state representatives and senators are
needed! This is a situation where few calls are made to state
representatives - so every call makes a difference. You can find
your state representatives here
https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator .
Help make sure H.4041 becomes law! Make your call today!
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA