Governor Hochul: Ban this toxic nicotine-based pesticide

Photo: National Park Service

Nicotine-based pesticides (neonics) came onto the market nearly thirty years ago. Since then, research has concluded that the increase in their use is leading to significant declines in insect populations, particularly important pollinators such as domestic and wild honey bees.

This spring, the New York State legislature passed a ban on one of the more insidious uses of this class of pesticides: coating of soy, corn, and wheat seeds. Now, the agrochemical industry is pressuring Governor Hochul to veto this important legislation. To protect our health and the Hudson River, we need your help urging Governor Hochul to sign the legislation into law.

It's not only bees that are affected. These pesticides are highly soluble, making them prone to running off into nearby watersheds and effortlessly entering drinking water reservoirs. Research has shown that neonicotinoids (neonics) can persist even after standard water treatment processes. As they enter water bodies, they become consumed by various invertebrates, causing detrimental impacts on a wide array of aquatic species, disrupting food chains, and jeopardizing entire aquatic ecosystems.

Over the past 15 years, there has been a notable nationwide surge in neonic usage, including within New York. In 2014 alone, the state of New York witnessed the application of a substantial 70 to 76 tons of neonics. Disturbingly, these pesticides have been detected in the Hudson River estuary. An illustrative case from Japan highlights the dire consequences of neonics, where the introduction of the common neonic, imidacloprid, led to the complete collapse of a local fishery.

Governor Hochul holds the authority to safeguard the well-being of New Yorkers and the ecological health of the Hudson River. Today, she can take nation-leading action by signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act (A7640/S1856A) into law.

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Dear: [Decision Maker],

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As a resident of New York, I strongly urge you to support the safeguarding of our state against the harmful effects of nicotine-based pesticides insecticides (neonics) by signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act (A7640/S1856A).

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as neonics, hold a prominent position in New York's pesticide use. Both federal and state assessments have revealed their presence in drinking water sources throughout our state, with approximately 30% of Long Island groundwater samples found to be contaminated. Additionally, a recent study conducted on pregnant women in New York and other states showed that over 95% of those tested had traces of neonics in their bodies. Given the widespread presence of these pesticides in our waterways, aquatic organisms are consistently exposed to these toxic substances.

This situation poses a significant concern as exposure to these hazardous chemicals has been linked to various health issues in humans, including:

- Abnormal development of the heart and brain in fetuses
 - Diminished cognitive capabilities and symptoms resembling autism
 - Memory loss and finger tremors
 - Reduced testosterone levels, which could hinder growth, development, and reproductive health

Although all New Yorkers are at risk, these health threats are most severe for children and pregnant women.

What makes the continued use of neonics even more perplexing is the findings from Cornell University, indicating that neonic-treated corn and soybean seeds do not enhance profits for farmers, despite being the primary application of neonics in our state.

Over the past 15 years, neonic use has surged nationwide, including here in New York. In 2014, between 70 to 76 U.S. tons of neonic active ingredients were utilized in our state. Neonics have been detected in the Hudson River estuary, with concentrations of acetamiprid and imidacloprid. In one study in Japan, the introduction of the common neonic imidacloprid led to the complete collapse of a local fishery.

Enacting the Birds and Bees Protection Act into law will position New York as the leading state in addressing a regulatory loophole that has allowed the unchecked use of neonics, resulting in devastating consequences for our ecosystems and public health.

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