Houghtaling Bill to Protect NJ Bee Population Signed into Law

(TRENTON) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Members Marlene Caride, Adam Taliaferro and Eric Houghtaling to protect pollinating bees from pesticide exposure and help address the decline in New Jersey's bee population has been signed into law.

The decline in New Jersey's honey bee population has been steady and has even surpassed the national average. Nationwide, honeybee deaths average 33 percent a year, according to a media report. This continued decline could have a major impact on the state's agricultural industry which relies heavily on these pollinators.

"We are largely dependent on bees for food production. Unfortunately pesticides pose a real threat," said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). "This notification process can help minimize pesticide exposure, preserve the state's bee population and ensure the agricultural industry remains strong."

The law (A-3398) requires pesticide applicators to notify beekeepers when they are applying pesticide within three miles of a registered honey or native beehive or beeyard. Under the law, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must adopt regulations allowing beekeepers to register their honey or native beehives or beeyards with the department. Beekeepers would have to register by March 1 every year.

Under previous regulations, N.J.A.C.7:30-9.11, apiarists may register their apiaries with the DEP, and pesticide applicators are required to notify apiarists prior to applying pesticide products that may be toxic to bees within three miles of a registered apiary. However, the term "apiary" is generally understood only to refer to honey bees. It is the intent of this new law to codify and expand the existing registration and notification regulations to native beehives and beeyards.