RI House Passes Bill Limiting Use Of Certain Pesticides

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to limit the use of certain pesticides that environmental experts say are a threat to the bee population.

The bill, 2022-H 7129, was sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Kislak (D-Providence), and if it becomes law, would restrict the use of neonicotinoids.

The use would be restricted outdoors, allowing only certified applicators to purchase or use them. It would also prohibit their use on any linden or basswood tree, or to any plant when it is blossoming. The legislation would not affect indoor products, personal care or veterinary products.

Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that affects the central nervous system, resulting in paralysis and death. Kislak said studies show that neonicotinoid residue accumulates in pollen and nectar of treated plants and creates a risk to pollinators.

The European Union has banned the use of three major neonicotinoids. Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Maryland all have restricted their use.

"It's well known that the United States is experiencing a serious decline in pollinators, and that this crisis has negative effects on crop production and our food supply," Kislak said in a statement. "Our very existence depends on pollinators, so we should do our best to protect them."

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston, Providence) is sponsoring companion legislation (2022-S 2299).