The action we need to push bee-saving legislation in California over the finish line

We have the opportunity to make California the next state to take vital, bee-saving action.

A bill has made its way through the California Legislature that would ban the worst uses of neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids, or neonics, are a class of pesticides that attack bees’ nervous systems, often resulting in death.

But this critical, bee-saving bill still needs the governor’s signature to become law — and for that to happen, we need to demonstrate broad public support for bee-saving action.

Bees face a wide array of challenges, from climate change to habitat loss — but one of the deadliest factors driving their decline is likely neonics.

Neonics are neurotoxins that damage bees’ ability to forage for food, navigate or even walk in a straight line. Since their introduction, neonics have become one of the most widely used pesticides. As their use has climbed, so too has the research documenting their harmful effects on bees and other pollinators. Bees exposed to neonics have shown large population die-offs.

In a statewide survey of California bees, eight entire species of bee were declared missing.

If we’re going to save the bees, we need to rein in the widespread use of these pesticides — and that’s where you come in.

States including New Jersey and Vermont have already passed similar legislation restricting the use of neonicotinoids. Now, it’s California’s turn to save our state’s bees. By sending a message today, you can help show our governor that Californians care deeply about saving the bees and urge him to take action.