Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, 66th Assembly District Manhattan, and Chair of the Committee on Environmental Conservation announced today the Assembly passage of legislation A.7640: the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which would prohibit the sale, distribution or purchasing of corn, soybean or wheat seeds coated or treated with pesticides with the active ingredients clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, or acetamiprid.

Assemblymember Glick said, “Pollinators are vital members of healthy ecosystems and our food supply chain. Protecting them by limiting toxins that pose adverse effects and health risks is an important step forward in our work to stop poisoning the environment and create a healthier New York. I am proud of the Assembly’s leadership in environmental conservation and appreciate continued partnership and collaboration with my Senate colleagues to protect our environment, including ensuring the health of our birds and bees.”

The growing threat of climate change has encouraged reflection on actions necessary to safeguard the health of the environment and the biodiversity of New York. The protection and preservation of pollinators and the beneficial services they provide for both the ecosystem, food chain, and the economy is of utmost importance. The use of neonicotinoid insecticides in agriculture and horticulture have been shown to be harmful to wildlife and humans, with significant detrimental impacts to bird and bee populations.

Senator Hoylman-Sigal’s companion legislation S.1856A has passed the Senate, and the bill awaits action by the Governor.