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Velazquez Seeks to Remove Dangerous Pesticide from Wildlife Refuges

May 21, 2019

Velázquez Seeks to Remove Dangerous Pesticide from Wildlife Refuges

Washington, D.C.­­ – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation to prevent the use of a class of toxic pesticides in National Wildlife Refuges. While the Obama Administration had instituted a 2014 ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, commonly called neonics, in Refuges the Trump Administration's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revoked the ban in August of last year. The ban's revocation comes as mounting evidence suggests the chemical has damaging environmental effects on bees and other pollinators, undermining the national wildlife system.

"This ruling is the most recent in a long line in a series of Trump Administration decisions that prioritize private interests before protection of our public lands," said Velázquez. "My legislation would prevent the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on National Wildlife Refuges, preserving biodiversity."

Farming does not occur on all National Wildlife Refuges, but instead farmers and ranchers can apply to raise cattle or cultivate crops in a refuge, as long as doing so comports with the refuge's mission. While many of these farmers engage in sustainable agriculture, some farm in a less environmentally friendly manner. In fact, a previous report found that over half a million pounds of highly toxic pesticides, including neonicotinoids, were sprayed on wildlife refuges in 2014 alone. Neonicotinoids are a group of toxic pesticides attributed to the deterioration of bees, migratory birds, and various species protected under the Endangered Species Act. The pesticides resemble nicotine and act upon animals' and insects' nervous systems.

"These pollutants upset the delicate ecosystems of our Wildlife Refuges and they have no place in our public lands," said Velázquez (D-NY). "It is important we reinstate the Obama-era ban on employing these chemicals in Wildlife Refuges."

The legislation has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee, of which Velázquez is a member. Introduced Monday, her bill was timed to coincide with the first World Bee Day, which aims to raise awareness about bees' contributions to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.

The bill has been cosponsored by a bipartisan group of eighteen House Members and has been endorsed by nearly forty environmental groups.

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