Plain English Summary
The Pollinator Protection Act restricts the retail sale and general use of neonicotinoid pesticides in North Carolina to licensed pesticide applicators, farmers, and veterinarians. The bill defines neonicotinoids as a class of systemic insecticides and requires the Pesticide Board to monitor EPA assessments and study seed treatment regulations.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue that neonicotinoid pesticides are harming honeybees, bumblebees, and other pollinators at record rates, threatening the one-third of North Carolina's food supply that depends on pollination. They contend that restricting these chemicals to trained professionals protects both agricultural productivity and the broader ecosystem while still allowing legitimate agricultural and pest control uses.
Arguments Against
Opponents may argue that restricting neonicotinoid availability could increase costs for farmers and consumers, limit options for controlling agricultural pests, or duplicate federal EPA regulations already in place. They may also contend that the scientific evidence linking neonicotinoids to pollinator decline is mixed, and that restrictions could disadvantage North Carolina farmers compared to those in states with fewer limitations.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 114
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 61
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 115
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 89
Cosponsors (18)
Representative · District 71
Representative · District 36
Representative · District 72
Representative · District 18
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 99
Representative · District 50
Representative · District 8
Representative · District 30
Representative · District 49
Representative · District 56
Representative · District 21
Representative · District 66
Representative · District 88
Representative · District 11
Representative · District 101
Representative · District 103