Maryland governor expected to ban bee-killing pesticides in US first

[BlueMTexpat]

While I support this, I dislike the fact that Larry Hogan (R) seems to be given full credit for it if he signs this when the bill was actually passed my MD's Democratic-controlled legislature.

http://inhabitat.com/maryland-governor-expected-to-ban-bee-killing-pesticides-in-us-first/

The declining bee population on Earth has been linked with widespread use of a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids. While the chemicals have already been banned in several countries, they are still widely used in the United States. Maryland, however, is the first state poised to approve a measure that bans the pesticides, after losing 60 percent of its hives last year. The pending legislation has passed the state’s upper and lower chambers, and now awaits the signature of Governor Larry Hogan, which is expected.

Still, it is a step in the right direction, however achieved. There is also a good slideshow at the link.

[elleng]

1. With you, BlueMTexpat.

Now I'll go out and look for some MD bees!



AND it started with: Governor O’Malley Signs Funding Bill for Pesticide Reporting


On May 15, 2014, Governor Martin O’Malley brought Maryland one step closer to having much-needed information about pesticide usage by signing House Bill 621 / Senate Bill 700 into law, which establishes funding for pesticide reporting. As advocates cheered the bill signing, they also released a new video about the need for scientifically valid pesticide reporting and vowed to continue their work.

“We are delighted to have the support of Governor O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Brown on this important issue,” said Ruth Berlin, executive director of the Maryland Pesticide Network and head of a coalition that’s been working to improve pesticide reporting for several years. “This legislation reflects widespread support for better pesticide usage reporting so we can protect public health, the Chesapeake Bay and wildlife – particularly our honeybees.”

http://www.mdpestnet.org/governor-omalley-signs-funding-bill-for-pesticide-reporting/