Happy Holidays from CCE!

Looking back at a successful 2023—we couldn’t have done it without your support!

Happy holidays from everyone at CCE! 2023 has been another successful year as we fought to protect clean water, battle climate change, ban dangerous pesticides, and so much more. Here are some of our top accomplishments from the past year:

• Offshore wind becomes a reality in New York: After many years of persistent advocacy from CCE, the first offshore wind turbines at the South Fork Wind Farm have been constructed—bringing clean, renewable energy to Long Island.

• Funding the restoration of Long Island Sound and the Great Lakes: Despite threats of cuts from Congress, we were able to maintain funding for the Long Island Sound Restoration Act and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

• Got lead pipes? Now you’ll know: There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. A new NYS law creates an inventory of all the lead pipes across the state and gives residents the right to know if they are drinking water that may be contaminated with lead. 

• Fixing our sewage and drinking water infrastructure: We helped to secure $500 million in NYS to prevent sewage spills into waterways and to remove dangerous emerging contaminants from drinking water.

• New York becoming a national leader in giving the public the right-to-know about PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water: After years of advocacy, NYS will soon require the testing of 23 additional PFAS chemicals in drinking water, while requiring prompt public notification when it is discovered. Additionally, we are continuing to support proposed national standards to limit PFAS in drinking water to the maximum extent possible.

• Matching an all-time high for the NYS Environmental Protection Fund: Once again, we successfully advocated for a $400 million NYS EPF, which will help restore the Great Lakes and Long Island Sound, build community parks and save family farms across the state, advance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities, and so much more.

While we celebrate all the success we’ve achieved with your support, we recognize there is so much more work to do in the year ahead. We still await a decision from Governor Hochul on whether she will sign legislation to save bees by banning dangerous uses of toxic neonic pesticides. We need to move forward aggressively with more offshore wind to fight climate change. We also need to make corporations reduce their plastic packaging waste that is polluting our Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean. We won’t be able to do this without your support, so please make an end of year donation today! Happy holidays and thank you for everything you do!

Happy Holidays,
All of us at CCE

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE THE BEES!

Time is Running Out for Governor Hochul to Ban Toxic Neonic Pesticides in New York!

In June, the NYS legislature passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act with overwhelming support. On Tuesday, the bill was finally delivered to Governor Hochul. This started a 10-day clock for her to either sign or veto this landmark legislation. This bill would protect our pollinators from the most dangerous and toxic pesticide since DDT, neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”). Neonics kill bees, pollute water, and harm our health! Even if you’ve taken action in the past, we once again need your help in calling on Governor Hochul to sign this monumental legislation. Time is running out and we need YOUR help today!

Email Governor Hochul TODAY and tell her to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act!

The Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.1856A/A.7640) would ban neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds; as well as cosmetic uses of neonics on lawns, gardens, and ornamental plants. This will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators from this toxic pesticide. Neonics are contaminating surface and ground water across the state, often found at high levels. This toxic pesticide is threatening drinking water quality and our health. We need Governor Hochul to sign this crucial legislation into law! Email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act.

Background:

Pollinators, such as honeybees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, are essential components of our food web. Massive bee die-off events and colony collapse disorder are putting our ecosystem and food production at risk. This rise in bee deaths has been largely linked to the explosive growth in the use of neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides. Neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”) are pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. These pesticides largely added as a seed coating to plants, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans and used as a spray for ornamental plants and turf. As a seed coating these chemicals persist and spread as the plant grows, making the entire plant toxic to bees and other pollinators. 

Neonics are also threatening New York’s waters. A 2018 U.S. Fish and Wildlife study found neonics in New York’s streams “in excess of toxicity and regulatory thresholds.” Additionally, extensive testing of New York’s surface waters by the USGS in 2016, found the neonic imidacloprid in nearly 40% of samples. There are currently 117 pesticides found in Long Island’s groundwater, with neonics being one of the most prevalent pesticide detected. Neonics are persistent in our water and environment, posing a serious threat to health and pollinators.

Corn, soy, and wheat treated seeds account for an estimated 73% of all neonics used in New York.  Lawn, garden, ornamental, and turf (aka cosmetic) uses make up an additional 15%. A 2020 report by Cornell University found that neonic treated corn, soy, and wheat seeds provide "no overall net income benefits" to farmers yet pose significant risk to bees and other pollinators.

Likewise, cosmetic uses pose a high risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives. These uses are unnecessary and must be banned to protect our pollinators.

Thank you! Together we can make a difference.
All of Us at CCE

Highlights and Happenings: November 2023

Image by Tracey O'Brien from Pixabay

Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT. 
Make a contribution today.

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Highlights

Telling Governor Hochul to Save the Bees!
Bees are one of the most important species on the planet. Unfortunately, they are dying at an alarming rate. This loss of our bees and other pollinators has been largely linked to the excessive use of neonic pesticides. The Birds and Bees Protection Act was resoundingly passed by the NYS Legislature and is now waiting to be signed by Governor Hochul. This bill would ban the most harmful and unnecessary uses of toxic neonic pesticides. In November, we held a press conference on Long Island with our partners urging the Governor to sign this crucial bill into law, which you can watch here. Several of our partner groups also held a big rally in NYC. There was also a great op-ed in Newsday, check it out if you missed it. Help us fight the pesticide industry and protect our pollinators by sending an email to Governor Hochul and tell her it is time to save the bees and to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act!

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Happenings

Transitioning to Offshore Wind. There were a lot of big developments for offshore wind in November:

• NY Announces New Bidding for Offshore Wind Projects. Due to the pandemic, supply chain issues and inflation, the offshore wind developers for the projects already selected in NY (Sunrise, Empire, & Beacon Wind) requested subsidies from NYS to ensure they could viably move forward with their projects. In October, their request was rejected. We joined many of our Wind Works NY partners in supporting the subsidies and have been pushing for an expedited rebidding process so that projects can move forward to meet our climate change mandate of 70% renewables by 2030. In November, New York State announced they will be holding the rebidding process with a very quick turnaround timeline (bids due in January, selection of winners in February) and that the existing contracts will not be canceled. This will allow early projects, if re-selected, to move forward on a reasonable timeline. This is very good news!
  
  New York State also announced plans to hold a fourth solicitation for additional offshore wind projects. Last month, we joined Governor Hochul as she announced three projects (Excelsior Wind, Community Offshore Wind, and Attentive) that will power over two million homes as a result of the third offshore wind solicitation. Another round of projects, in addition to the re-bidding process, is a huge step in moving offshore wind forward and achieving 9,000 mw of offshore wind by 2035.

• BOEM NY & NJ Environmental Justice Forum. We attended an excellent NY and NJ Environmental Justice Forum at UPROSE in Brooklyn last month. We toured Equinor’s facility at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, a large offshore wind port that will house operations and maintenance for several large offshore wind farms. It was a great discussion and was very exciting to tour the facility and see that an abandoned industrial facility will be transformed into a productive offshore wind terminal.

• Lunch and Learn: Why Wind Works. We joined our partners at the NY League of Conservation Voters to host a virtual presentation on Why Wind Works last month, featuring expert panelists from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, and US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. We want to provide the facts on why offshore wind works, why it is needed in our state, and what benefits it brings to several regions throughout New York. Thanks to the almost 200 people who joined. If you missed it, check it out here.

Fighting to protect the Great Lakes in Washington
We joined with NY partners from the Healing our Waters Great Lakes Coalition for a trip to Washington DC last month. We had very productive meetings with our US Senators and Representatives from NYS—calling for continued investment in the successful Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and programs to upgrade our drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. We need Congress to support clean water in the final 2024 budget!

South Shore Estuary Reserve Stewardship Awards
We joined Deputy Secretary of State Kisha Santiago-Martinez to host the South Shore Estuary Reserve 2023 Stewardship Awards. The SSER Stewardship Award program is designed to recognize citizens and organizations that have made significant contributions to the improvement of the estuary. Congratulations to Richard Groh, Chief Environmental Analyst at the Town of Babylon and Dr. Artie Kopelman, President of the Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), who won awards for their dedication in protecting and restoring the Reserve!

Understanding the Health Risks of 1,4-Dioxane on Long Island
Yale Superfund Research Center has crafted a study to better understand the impact of 1,4-dioxane exposure on Long Island residents. This spring, we launched our partnership with Yale to provide education and outreach to inform Long Islanders about this new, exciting program. If you live on Long Island and are interested in participating and finding out if you have been exposed to 1,4-dioxane, you can find out more here.

UBS Arena Sustainability
We joined UBS Arena for their launch of new sustainability goals—100% renewable energy and zero waste! UBS Arena, located in Belmont, Long Island, is a certified LEED building and is now going further with their sustainability goals. The venue will make its own renewable energy and meet a zero waste goal, which includes donating and composting excess food. We applaud these efforts by UBS Arena and thank you for a terrific event.

Talking Pollinators at REI
REI held a grand opening for the new location in Huntington Station, Long Island, and we were there to talk about bees! We spent the day at the store opening, educating shoppers about the Birds & Bees Protection Act and the importance of banning neonic pesticides. Shoppers were eager to sign on and urge Gov Hochul to sign the Birds & Bees Protection Act!

Celebrating Board Member Richard Olsen-Harbich
We were honored to attend the book signing of our longtime board member Richard Olsen-Harbich at Bedell Cellars. Check out his great book, “Sun, Sea, Soil, Wine” available for purchase here. Congrats Rich!

Expedited Renewable Energy Solicitations Launched As Part of Governor Hochul’s 10-Point Action Plan

SOURCE:

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2023-Announcements/2023-11-30-NYSERDA-Announces-Launch-of-Expedited-Renewable-Energy-Solicitations

November 30, 2023

Proposals for Offshore Wind and Land-Based Renewable Projects Due in January 2024

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the launch of expedited renewable energy solicitations as part of New York’s 10-Point Action Plan to bolster the State’s growing large-scale renewable industry. Final proposals for both offshore wind and land-based renewable projects are due in January 2024. These expedited solicitations support progress toward achieving New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goals to obtain 70% of New York’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “These expedited solicitations will continue to build upon our momentum toward achieving a zero-emissions electric grid. We welcome into this competitive process all developers who are committed and eager to participate in New York's energy transition, and we look forward to working together to deliver significant economic, public health, and grid reliability benefits to New York State.”

The solicitations, initially announced  by Governor Hochul earlier this month, encourage all project developers, including those that previously petitioned the New York State Public Service Commission for financial relief and new market entrants to compete in the solicitation process, ensuring the integrity of the State’s competitive procurement process and best value for New Yorkers. As part of these solicitations, NYSERDA included key provisions from the latest rounds of renewable energy procurements such as inflation indexing, labor provisions, stakeholder engagement requirements, disadvantaged community commitments, agricultural land preservation, and related priorities to maintain the policy objectives introduced in prior solicitations to ensure an equitable energy transition that benefits all New Yorkers.

NYSERDA is streamlining these expedited solicitations by selectively removing certain bid requirements that historically required substantial efforts to develop, but provided nominal value in bid evaluations. The full breadth of these modifications is outlined within the solicitation documents.

Offshore Wind Solicitation

Final proposals for the offshore wind solicitation will need to be submitted by January 25, 2024, with award announcements expected to be made in February 2024.

Details on the offshore wind solicitation are available on the Offshore Wind Solicitation page on NYSERDA’s website.

Land-Based Renewables Solicitation

The process for submitting proposals into the land-based renewables solicitation will be conducted in two steps, with eligibility requirements due on December 21, 2023 to confirm that interested projects are eligible to bid, and final proposals due on January 31, 2024. Award announcements are expected by the end of April 2024.

More details on the land-based renewable energy solicitation are available on the Tier 1 Solicitation page  on NYSERDA’s website.

These expedited solicitations will build on the momentum established by the Governor’s announcement last month of the largest state investment in renewable energy in United States history. The conditional awards included three offshore wind and 22 land-based renewable energy projects totaling 6.4 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power 2.6 million New York homes and deliver approximately 12% of New York’s electricity needs once completed. When coupled with two marquee offshore wind blade and nacelle manufacturing facilities, New York’s latest round of awarded projects is expected to create approximately 8,300 family-sustaining jobs and spur $20 billion in economic development investments statewide, including developer-committed investments to support disadvantaged communities.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner and Climate Action Council Member Roberta Reardon said: “The expedited process announced by NYSERDA not only accelerates a greener New York but also builds on our continued effort to expand workforce development. By streamlining the process and encouraging a broader range of competitors, we are not only upholding the values of equity and inclusivity in our energy sector but also ensuring that we are on track to meet our Climate Act goals.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "The solicitations announced by NYSERDA today will advance New York's sustained efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and help meet the state’s aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, provisions included in these expedited solicitations will help advance climate justice by prioritizing present-day challenges like inflation and reconfirming the State’s commitments to disadvantaged communities and environmental protection."

New York State Department of Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said, “The agricultural community has long been at the table in the discussion of protecting and preserving the natural resources that sustain us. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a critical and urgent piece of this puzzle, and the solicitations announced today mark a huge step forward in strengthening New York's clean energy development and meeting the climate goals that will help preserve our land for generations to come.”

Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Anne Reynolds said, “The renewable energy industry is encouraged by New York’s speedy issuance of solicitations for renewable energy projects, both offshore wind power and land-based wind and solar power, knowing that companies are looking forward to competing for these contracts. Moving ahead with projects will bring construction jobs, local tax revenue, and clean electricity. I applaud New York’s fast action, because this sense of urgency is exactly what is needed to bring infrastructure projects to construction and achieve clean energy and climate goals.”

New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Fred Zalcman said, "NYSERDA's issuance today of a major solicitation, providing market-based offtake opportunities for both early and advanced stage offshore wind projects, offers crucial and timely support for New York's rapidly developing clean energy economy. Actions speak louder than words, and we applaud the Hochul Administration for providing, through this expedited RFP, a clear and unambiguous statement of support for offshore wind as an essential part of New York's evolution towards a carbon-free grid."

New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “In order for New York to green the grid and meet our CLCPA goals, we can’t just talk about clean energy, we need to get projects in the queue as soon as possible. NYLCV applauds Governor Hochul for expediting the next round of solicitations for offshore wind and land-based large scale renewable energy projects and helping ensure New York remains a national leader in the fight against climate change.”

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “We applaud Governor Hochul and NYSERDA on the publication of expedited offshore wind and land-based renewable energy RFPs. The projects built pursuant to these RFPs will be subject to precedent-setting statutory labor standards and protections. We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to ensuring that New York’s clean energy future is built, operated, maintained, repaired, and manufactured by workers who earn good wages, and enjoy the benefits and protections guaranteed by union contracts.”

New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said, “If New York is going to meet the standard-setting climate goals set out by the CLCPA, we must get moving on key green infrastructure projects that will not only set us apart in renewable energy creation, but also generate thousands of good-paying, family sustaining union careers for hard working New Yorkers. This is why we applaud the expedition of solicitations for offshore wind and land-based renewable projects as we head into 2024. The submission and selection of proposals is an important first step in getting these crucial initiatives off the ground and unlocking a clean energy future that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers today and for future generations as we build a healthy environment to live and thrive in. Our tradesmen and tradeswomen look forward to driving forward these projects as they pursue the paths to the middle class forged by the unions worker who came before them.”

Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said, “Transitioning to renewable energy and moving away from fossil fuels is a challenge, but New York is up for that challenge! Today’s announcement marks another important leap forward with an aggressive and strategic plan to bolster renewable energy development, and wean us off of dirty fossil fuel power plants. The public supports cleaner air and fighting climate change, and this transition will help achieve both important objectives. We commend Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for continuing to take the bold actions necessary to move New York towards a renewable energy future.”

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $55 billion in 145 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and over 3,000% growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and more than 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

Why Wind Works

Join us on November 30th for a virtual lunch and learn forum on Why Wind Works for New York

There has been a lot going on with offshore wind over the past year and we understand it may be hard to keep current! If you want important news and facts, then please join us for the upcoming Lunch and Learn entitled Why Wind Works, hosted by Citizens Campaign for the Environment and New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

Join us and a panel of experts to provide facts on why offshore wind works, why it is needed in our state, and what benefits it brings to several regions throughout New York. Learn more about the environmental impacts of offshore wind and the programs to protect marine life and our oceans as we move forward with this renewable energy infrastructure.

Our expert panel will include speakers from:

• U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

• NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

• NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

There will be an opportunity for Q & A with our expert panelists after the presentation.

Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

This event is free and open to the public. Make sure you save the date and register today.

Thank you for joining us.

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

WHAT HAPPENS TO PUBLIC LETTERS SENT TO THE GOVERNOR TO PROTECT BEES?

RETURN TO SENDER 

Public comments addressed to the Governor, sent c/o NYS Ag and Markets, in support of the Birds and Bees Protection Act, were opened and sent back to grassroots advocacy group

Farmingdale, NY—Today, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) received an opened and resealed package of public comments supporting the Birds and Bees Protection Act, sent to Governor Hochul via NYS Ag and Markets, with “return to sender” written on it. CCE, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization has been working to ensure the Governor hears from the public on critical environmental issues. Over a thousand postcards from the public have been sent to the Governor in support of this critical bill in recent weeks. With just a few weeks left for the Governor to sign this nation-leading environmental legislation, it’s critically important that the Governor hear from the public and that her staff values public input.  However, the return of over 80 postcards indicates that the voice of the public is being dismissed and ignored. 

Over the last several months, CCE has sent several packages containing signed postcards from members of the public to the Governor, via NYS Ag and Markets, requesting she sign the bill. They are being sent to Kevin King, Deputy Commissioner at NYS Ag and Markets.  State agencies, including NYS Ag and Markets, provide important input to the Governor on bills being considered to be signed into law.  This is the first-time public comments have been returned.

In response Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said:

 “In over 30 years of advocating on behalf of the public and sending New York Governors public correspondence, this has never happened. It’s highly disturbing and sends a message that public comments are not valued. CCE has collected and mailed approximately a thousand postcards from the public to the Governor, sent via NYS Ag and Markets, in support of the Birds and Bees Protection Act. To have them opened and sent back is insulting and demeaning to the public. Although his name is Kevin King, he should be reminded that there are no kings in our democracy, only public servants. We have been talking to the public about this bill and we hear how much they care about saving bees and protecting our pollinators. CCE works to ensure the public voice is being heard, and we need the Governor to listen and have access to her mail.”

The Birds and Bees Protection Act is science-based legislation that strategically eliminates unnecessary uses of neonics. Corn, soy, and wheat treated seeds account for an estimated 73% of all neonics used in New York.  Lawn, garden, ornamental, and turf (aka cosmetic) uses make up an additional 15%. A 2020 report by Cornell University found that neonic treated corn, soy, and wheat seeds provide "no overall net income benefits" or yield benefits to farmers yet pose significant risk to bees and other pollinators. Likewise, cosmetic uses pose a high risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives. The Birds and Bees Protection Act will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, food security, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators with this toxic pesticide.

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THANKSGIVING WON’T BEE THE SAME WITHOUT BEES

Advocates call on Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act and ban unnecessary uses of toxic neonics pesticides

For immediate release: November 14, 2023

Contact: Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director: 631-384-1378 (mobile), aesposito@citizenscampaign.org

Farmingdale, NY—Ahead of Thanksgiving, advocates came together to fight for the protection of one of earth’s most important species, bees, and call on Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act. This law would ban the use of neonicotinoid (neonic) treated seeds for corn, soybean, and wheat seeds, as well as ornamental uses such as on lawns, gardens, and golf courses. The harmful overuse of neonics has devastated pollinator populations in New York. Honeybee keepers are losing over 45% of their colonies annually. These pollinator losses are attributed to the use of neonics, mainly from coated seeds. Corn, soybean, and wheat treated seeds account for over 73% of all neonics used in New York and ornamental uses make up an additional 15%. According to a 2020 report by Cornell University, these uses provide no net income benefit to users yet pose some of the highest risks to pollinators.

Many of the staples at the Thanksgiving table are pollinator dependent crops, such as pumpkins, squash, and apples. Unfortunately, the unnecessary use of neonics has decimated pollinator populations and as a result we are starting to see smaller yields of these crops. To avoid future Thanksgiving dinners without pumpkin pie, Governor Hochul must sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act.

 View a recording of the press conference here.

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment said, “Governor Hochul, give us something to really be thankful for this Thanksgiving, sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act! This bill is the most environmentally important bill awaiting the Governor’s signature and the entire country is watching to see if New York acts as a leader. Our bees and pollinators are essential to produce so many of the foods we love at Thanksgiving. We can start thanking them by not continuing to poison them with toxic neonics. The bill needs to be signed without weakening amendments. We won’t settle for just a piece of the pie, Governor Hochul needs to go for it all and ban neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat, seeds as well as ornamental uses. If the Governor can’t save the bees, we are going to rely on the Legislature to override her and save the bees themselves.”

Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation & Development Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter said, “Science has shown that neonicotinoids are one of the main causes of an alarming crash in pollinator populations nationwide,” said Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “The Birds and Bees Protection Act is an historic, nation-leading bill that will end the unnecessary use of these toxic pesticides and has been crafted to reflect the concerns raised by ag communities. The Sierra Club strongly urges the Governor to sign this important bill into law, to address the unnecessary use of neonics in treated corn, wheat, and soy seeds, and also in turf and ornamental environments. S1856-A/A7640 reflects key findings of NY’s own Cornell University. The Birds and Bees Protection Act is gearing up to be a defining moment for Governor Hochul’s environmental legacy and we urge her to sign it into law today.” 

“Neonics are the most ecologically destructive pesticides since DDT, and extensive, state-commissioned research shows their largest and most widespread use—toxic seed coatings on corn and soybean seeds—provides $0 in benefits to New York farmers,” said Dan Raichel, Acting Director, Pollinator Initiative, Natural Resources Defense Council. “Add that to the bee losses diminishing fruit and vegetable production, extensive neonic water contamination, and the growing threats to New Yorkers’ health, and there is no good argument left for inaction. The Birds and Bees Protection Act gives the Governor a commonsense way to follow through on her stated commitment to pollinators and be the environmental leader New York State needs.”

Joy Flynn, Conservation Chair of Garden Clubs of America said “For the past two years, garden clubs in New York State have been advocating for the elimination of neonicotinoids on edible seeds and their use in home gardening products. The NYS legislature has passed the bill and we're counting on Governor Hochul to do the right thing and sign it into law."

Moira Alexander-Master Beekeeper said “Honeybees are an integral part of New York State's agriculture and economy. The income produced by the beekeeping industry for pollination services generates about $300 million with an additional $11 million dollars for the sale of honey. Honeybees are a vital part of our ecosystem and are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for survival. It is in our best interest to protect them from harmful pesticides by signing this bill into law.” 

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