Colorado Pesticide Plan Hopes To Save Endangered Bee Population

A bipartisan bill introduced in the Colorado House Energy and Environment Committee passed with a vote of 7-4 to try to curtail the use of certain pesticides in the hopes that it will revitalize the endangered bee population in Colorado.

The bill is designed to prohibit the outdoor use of the pesticides neonicotinoid and sulfoximine, which can keep bees from reproducing or forming colonies by targeting brain receptors in bees and other insects.

Colony Collapse Disorder, according to the Environmental Protection Agency is becoming a serious problem as well, as worker bees leave the hive, leaving behind the queen and an abundance of honey. Reasons for this are varied, but scientists can point to these pesticides as one reason why.

In 2018, the European Union banned the use of five pesticides and issued cancellation notices for a dozen more that are believed to be at least partially responsible for the declining bee population.

State Representative Cathy Kipp was quoted as saying:

“Bees and other pollinators are incredibly important for our environment and the future health of our state and planet, “The nature that we enjoy all year round depends on our delicate ecosystems remaining in balance. By regulating the use of these pesticides, we can protect pollinators and our Colorado way of life.”

If the bill passes, it will most likely be in 2021 before the ban will commence.

Let's hope the bees survive.