PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF POLLINATORS & PEOPLE
Pollinator & Human
Health Bill Update
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Earlier this month, for the first time ever, Colorado's legislators deliberated on a Pollinator & Human Health bill (SB22-131), which sought solutions to protect children’s health, preserve pollinator biodiversity, and allow communities to make decisions about pesticide use. After 9 hours of testimony, from both sides, the bill failed to pass its first committee hearing and was permanently suspended. Industry proved to be a formidable opponent and bill supporters' testimony kept up the fight until nearly the end of the hearing.
While the bill did not pass, this is not a defeat! The seed has been planted and PPAN's work will continue to enable it to sprout and grow!
Thank you for showing up and for the outpouring of support that we received in both endorsements and in written and oral testimony. About 40 supporters signed up to testify orally and many others submitted written testimony! It's vitally important that this strong support is now officially on the record.
We'll continue to seek opportunities to move bill concepts forward and organize for the next success, and we hope we can count on you for your ongoing support and on-the-ground advocacy. This fight is not over and we'll build on the momentum we created to rally once again!
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Learn more about the bill below:
SB22-131: A BILL CONCERNING MEASURES TO IMPROVE POLLINATOR HABITATS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
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While Colorado is home to more than 900 species of bees, 250 species of butterflies and hundreds of birds and small animals which provide critical pollinator services, Colorado does not have a comprehensive plan to ensure we protect these species. Colorado lacks resources to work across our agencies to ensure adequate planning, protection, and coordination for pollinators and there’s insufficient capacity to protect human health as we consider pesticide use. This proposed piece of legislation will make strides to address pesticide risks and protection of people, pollinators and soils.
