Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, 66th Assembly District Manhattan and Chair of the Committee on Environmental Conservation, announced today the signing of her legislation A.7640: the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which would prohibit the sale, distribution or purchasing of corn, soybean or wheat seeds coated or treated with pesticides with the active ingredients clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, or any other neonicotinoid as determined by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation through regulation. The companion legislation, S.1856A, is carried by Senator Hoylman-Sigal. This legislation is the first in the nation to limit neonicotinoid coating on seeds.

Assemblymember Glick said, “Pollinators are vital members of healthy ecosystems and our food supply chain. Protecting them by limiting toxins that pose adverse effects and health risks is a critical step forward in our work to stop poisoning the environment and create a healthier New York. I applaud Governor Hochul’s recognition of the importance of the health of our birds and bees and the priority of a clean environment by signing this groundbreaking legislation into law.”

The growing threat of climate change has encouraged reflection on actions necessary to safeguard the health of the environment and the biodiversity of New York. The protection and preservation of pollinators and the beneficial services they provide for both the ecosystem, food chain, and the economy is of utmost importance. The use of neonicotinoid insecticides in agriculture and horticulture have been shown to be harmful to wildlife and humans, with significant detrimental impacts to bird and bee populations.