Oregon Farmers Push to Weaken Pesticide Bill as Environmentalists Fight to Protect Pollinators from Nicotinoids

A House Bill aimed at limiting the use of nicotinoids – synthetic pesticides designed to repel or kill insects and pollinators like butterflies and bees – is opposed by members of the Oregon Farm Bureau who are lobbying for changes to the legislation.

Rather than limiting the sale of nicotinoids to licensed users, the farmers are lobbying for House Bill 2679 to be amended so that the sale of  nicotinoids is limited to licensed pesticide sellers.

The Amendment Will Open the Door to Non-Licensed Individuals

Critics argue that the amendment weakens the efficacy of the bill by making it easier for non-licensed individuals to purchase nicotinoids.

The proponents argue that the amendment would dilute the impact of the legislation aimed at protecting the environment from the overuse of an insecticide harmful to pollinators.

They say apart from reducing the efficacy of the bill, the amendment will open the door to non-licensed individuals who would be able to purchase nicotinoids.

Also raising objections to the amendment is the Rogue Valley Pollinator Project which has warned that nicotinoids are not only a threat to pollinators, but are also harmful to wildlife, birds, and fish.

Public hearings have revealed a broad base of support for the original HB 2679, with environmentalists advocating for even more severe restrictions to prevent further damage to the pollinator populations.

No details have been released of the outcome of a public work session yesterday (Thursday) to discuss Oregon House Bill 2679.