POLLINATOR RELEVANT LEGISLATION here in Minnesota, numerous pollinator protection bills are moving this 2023 spring! They include legislation to:

• give local control to municipalities to make decisions about what pesticides are used in their neighborhoods (SF0608 / HF1130)

• develop a regulatory program for treated seeds (SF1718, HF2472)

• prohibit uses of systemic insecticides and seed treatments on Department of Natural Resources managed lands (SF0835 / HF0921)

• prohibit harmful and unnecessary lawn and garden uses of neonics (SF1915, HF2805)

• prohibit PFAS aka “forever chemicals,” in pesticides (SF2020, HF1150)

There’s also legislation to sustain the successful Lawns to Legumes Program, fund a general pollinator account, further research neonic impacts on vertebrates like deer and prairie chickens, and create and maintain habitat along state highways.

we need your help!

Many of the pollinator bills we’re working on need to be heard in the Senate Agriculture committee to move forward. You can help by connecting with Senate Agriculture Chair Aric Putnam (651-296-6455, sen.aric.putnam@senate.mn ) and your own senator, to share why you care about this issue.  Find your elected officials here.

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Minnesota had led the nation in terms of the number of pollinator protective bills authored and local policies adopted. Yet, the policy focus on research and habitat creation continues to leave pesticide exposure as an unaddressed factor. and- unsurprisingly- our pollinator populations continue to decline.

A snippet of that history- Governor Dayton’s Committee for Pollinator Protection released our “Recommendations for Pollinator Protection in Minnesota,” at the end of 2018. As one of 15 committee members, Pollinate Minnesota worked hard to ensure the bold actions Minnesota's pollinators need were included. The GCPP report is 39 policy recommendations our committee of experts spent 2 years identifying, and is a pretty great starting point for legislation. What an opportunity!

It’s an opportunity the legislature is picking up this year.

Contact your legislators (learn who and how here) and voice your concern for pollinator health. Contact Erin if you're interested in other ways to help. (612.245.6384, erin@pollinatemn.org)

Interested in helping Pollinate Minnesota?

Get involved in the campaign!  We'll keep you informed about issues facing pollinator health, action steps that are happening statewide, and ways you can Pollinate Minnesota. To make a tax-deductible donation to Pollinate Minnesota, click here.