Oregon Legislators Stand Up for Bees

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici today expressed concerns over the recent decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve new uses and lift restrictions for sulfoxaflor, a pesticide recognized by the EPA as a danger to pollinators.

In a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, the lawmakers highlighted concerns from beekeepers and other stakeholders in Oregon about the potential hazards of the pesticide on bee colonies and the importance of pollinator health to America’s agriculture and food supply.

Leglislatures have also been applying pressure to the USDA to better explain rationale for ending the collection of important honey bee data.

For more information contact Senator Wyden’s office via Juine Chada at Juine_Chada@wyden.senate.gov