Inside the Colorado Legislature: Pollinator Protection in the 2026 Session Webinar & Resources
- 60 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Colorado’s 2026 legislative session is underway– and several important bills could have lasting impacts on pollinators, wildlife, and native habitats.
The webinar will feature:
An overview of the legislative process and the legislative outlook
A closer look at three of PPAN’s Legislative Priorities:
You’ll leave with a better understanding of the process, direct access to bill experts, and concrete ways to take action in support of pollinator-friendly policy.
Practices to Support Pollinators – Sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Senator Cathy Kipp | Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources House Committee
Rodenticide Use Restrictions – Sponsored by Representative Elizabeth Velasco and Senators Cathy Kipp & Lisa Cutter | Agriculture and Natural Resources Senate Committee
Systemic Insecticide Use Limitations – Sponsored by Representatives Elizabeth Velasco & Kyle Brown and Senators Cathy Kipp & Katie Wallace | Agriculture and Natural Resources Senate Committee
Thank you to our speakers!
Becky Long joined Siegel Long Public Affairs in 2016, and in April, 2022 she joined as a partner. She began her work in public policy with the Colorado Environmental Coalition working in Colorado water policy and later served as the Advocacy Director for Conservation Colorado. With strong experience in a range of natural resource issues as well as in political and electoral work she is now putting those skills to work on behalf of a host of other clients.
Becky has led campaigns to set ambitious carbon reduction goals for Colorado, pass generational change for oil and gas regulations, incentivize the electric vehicle market in Colorado, pass nation leading protections for student borrowers, and increase consumer debt protections. Becky has expertise in building coalitions, policy development, and in lobbying at the legislature to secure wins on behalf of progressive issues.
Joyce Kennedy is the Executive Director of People and Pollinators Action Network (PPAN), and a non-voting member of the Board of Directors. In her multi-faceted role, Joyce directs organizational development and project implementation. She leads PPAN’s advocacy work, helps to build our grassroots constituency, and develops community outreach and municipally-based programs.
She has worked as an environmental professional for more than 20 years for consulting firms, nonprofits, and the National Park Service. Prior to her work as a pollinator advocate, Joyce’s environmental work focused on rivers in New England, where she was also involved in establishing Connecticut’s statewide ban on pesticides on K-8 school grounds.
Mark Surls is the Northern Rockies Coordinator at Project Coyote. In this role, he helps to expand the organization’s core programs and campaigns throughout Colorado.
Mark’s diverse career journey has taken him from trading stocks to living in a village in sub-Saharan Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer, to embracing the role of stay-at-home dad and championing wildlife advocacy. Throughout it all, he has followed his heart and passions, making decisions that reflect his deep commitment to making a positive impact. In the process, he has discovered that open, honest communication is one of the most powerful tools for ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Mark also has passions for wildlife photography and wildlife advocacy. He focuses on combating some of the most pressing issues facing carnivores today, including the senseless killing of native carnivores through poison and unlimited hunting and trapping for fur, as well as promoting education on peaceful coexistence with these vital animals. He believes firmly in the power of people to create change and is dedicated to guiding those who want to stand up for wildlife and speak out for the protection of our wild spaces.
Lena Freij is an Attorney and Policy Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) where she works to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides that are harmful to human health and wildlife.
Prior to joining NRDC, Lena was the Honors Attorney Fellow at EPA Region 10, where she brought administrative enforcement actions against violators of air, waste, pesticide, and toxics statutes. Lena holds a bachelor's degree in environmental science and policy from California State University, Long Beach and earned her JD from UCLA Law School.
Did you know that all of PPAN's past monthly webinars are FREE and available on our YouTube?
If you find these webinars and resources valuable, please consider getting involved with PPAN as a volunteer, ordering a Protect Pollinators License Plate, taking the Pollinator Safe Pledge, or becoming a financial supporter. Every dollar goes a long way at PPAN and everyone is needed!
