After years of urging our state to limit Neonic pesticides, a toxic threat to birds and people, we are thrilled to announce that the Birds and Bees Protection Act has finally passed!

An absolutely astounding 4,988 advocates wrote to your lawmakers, urging them to pass this important law. It now goes to Governor Hochul for her signature.

The Birds and Bees Protection Act eliminates 80%-90% of the neonics entering New York’s environment yearly. Chemically related to nicotine, neonics are commonly applied as seed treatments to crops such as corn, soy, and barley.

Although aimed at pests, neonics impact birds and other pollinators. Birds like the Marsh Wren, above, are indirectly impacted when neonics leach into nearby ponds and wetlands, where they kill the larvae of insects these birds depend on for food.

As we face a changing climate, we must tackle threats from new angles to save declining species.Thank you for helping bring about this big win for birds.

Sincerely,               

Erin McGrath                   
Policy Manager                 
Audubon New York