Protecting Connecticut's Honeybees

April 22, 2016

Yesterday I joined my colleagues in support of legislation that would protect honeybees. As pollinators, bees are crucial to our environment. SB 231, An Act Concerning Pollinator Health, would protect Connecticut’s pollinators by encouraging the preservation of their habitats while limiting the use of pesticides that are linked to the decline of honeybees.

The legislation would specifically limit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which are believed to be responsible for the worldwide die-off of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Last year, Connecticut's beekeepers lost close to 60 percent of their bee colonies. Under the bill, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station will create a model pollinator habitat guide. Vegetation that encourages honeybees would be planted along state highways and other areas.

Honeybees are crucial to local agriculture, and I'm glad we're taking action to protect pollinators.