Washington State Joins The Growing Movement To Remove Neonics From Use

Washington's bee populations are facing a steep decline, with a reported 9% reduction in colonies from April 2022 to April 2023, a decline rate faster than the national average. In response, Washington state legislators are considering significant measures to protect these vital pollinators. Senator Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) is at the forefront of these efforts, sponsoring Senate Bill 5972 aimed at banning the domestic outdoor use of neonicotinoid pesticides—commonly referred to as "neonics"—which are known to be particularly harmful to bees. This bill is part of Senator Liias' ongoing commitment to bee conservation; his previous legislative efforts include SB 5552 in 2019, which protected pollinator habitats, and SB 5253 in 2021, implementing recommendations from the Pollinator Health Task Force to support beekeepers and monitor bee species across the state. Read more about the bill here.